accenAlma College Alumni Magazine News and Events for Winter 2008 ts

Focus on faculty scholarship Editor Mike Silverthorn Designer Beth Pellerito Printing Millbrook Printing Contributors Brian Bartes Nan Freed Susan Heimburger Renee Pietila ’08 Elizabeth Podufaly ’08 Saundra Tracy Alumni notes compiled by Alissa Coldwell ’11 Board of Trustees David T. Provost ’76, Chair Candace Croucher Dugan, Vice Chair More than 1,800 people jammed Gary W. Fenchuk ’68, Secretary Cappaert Gymnasium for a Bruce T. Alton speech by former U.S. Secretary Larry R. Andrus ’72 of State Madeleine Albright Sarah Sarchet Butter ’88 on Sept. 12. Albright discussed C. David Campbell ’75 leadership and respect during David K. Chapoton ’57 her talk and reflected on her James C. Conboy Jr. career as Secretary of State John C. Foster ’67 during President Bill Clinton’s administration. Prior to her Nancy E. Gallagher ’80 public speech, she met with Glenn D. Granger ’83 students for a Richard P. Heuschele ’59 question-and-answer session. Kevin. R. Johnson Following her speech, she signed David P. Larsen ’84 books for nearly 45 minutes. David F. Lau Donald A. Lindow John McCormack Thomas J. McDowell James T. McIntyre ’69 Stephen F. Meyer ’80 Roger L. Myers on the cover Antje Newhagen ’67 Marcia J. Nunn ’73 Going fishing? Not these guys. Alma College Faculty Biologists Dave Clark (left) and Glenda D. Price John Rowe spend a portion of their summers conducting turtle colorization and other research studies with teams of students on Beaver Island in northern Lake Ron R. Sexton ’68 . In this photo, they are checking turtle traps in Miller’s Marsh, measuring Lynne Sherwood turtle shell colorization, and taking spectrometer readings. Michael D. Stafford ’87

Photo by Susan Clark accents Winter 2008 features 5 The pursuit of knowledge Alma College faculty are actively conducting research in their fields of study.

13 Tell us about your Alma College memorabilia Judith Pelter ’67 discovers 45-rpm record of Robert Swan- son giving a speech.

14 The great turtle race Scot royalty selected at homecoming, page 12 Marine biologist Roderic Mast ’79 uses sea turtles to get his conservation message out in fun and interesting ways.

18 Beating the odds Rebecca Norris ’64 overcame obstacles to enjoy a career in medicine. departments

5 thistle & pipes 20 The Forgotten Children of Eastern Europe Students provide assistance to orphanage in Kiev, Ukraine. 14 great scots 24 highland games 24 The play that saved football 27 tartan tidbits New book by Phil Brooks profiles 1906-07 football coach .

accents is published in October, February and June for alumni, parents, students and other friends of Alma College. Send comments to Mike Silverthorn, Accents editor, mission Alma College, 614 W. Superior St., Alma College’s mission is to prepare graduates who think critically, Alma, MI 48801-1599, or e-mail: serve generously, lead purposefully and live responsibly as stewards of [email protected]. the world they bequeath to future generations. accents is viewable online at: http://alumni.alma.edu/accents/

only one alma.  The rewards of faculty scholarship: Priceless!

hile many people think of sig- In this issue of Accents, several profiles of nificant faculty research occurring Alma faculty and their scholarly work are Wonly at the large universities, that included. Often their scholarship is con- is not the case. Because higher education ducted in collaboration with undergradu- institutions are categorized as baccalaureate, ates, which results in opportunities for comprehensive (meaning undergraduate Alma students that are typically reserved with some graduate programs) or research only for graduate students at many other institutions, these categories may imply that institutions. Alma faculty share many faculty at institutions like Alma are not ac- stories of their students being the only tive scholars in their disciplines. One needs undergraduates presenting at national and only to look at the many contributions of international conferences or of articles co- Alma’s talented faculty to their respective authored with their students being pub- fields to understand excellent scholarship is lished in prestigious scholarly journals. happening at Alma College as well. There are costs for Alma faculty to con- Indeed, the context for faculty scholarship duct their research with undergraduates President Saundra Tracy is very different at Alma College when in terms of time to develop the students’ compared to the research institutions. At research skills to a level for such work many large universities, “publish or perish” often reserved only for graduate students. is more than just a catchy phrase. Promo- But these costs are offset by the successes tion and tenure criteria and salary increases of Alma students. One faculty member often are based on one’s research; teaching reported watching the major research is a distant second priority. institutions in that faculty member’s field The reverse is true at Alma College. Teach- engage in a bidding war to attract his stu- ing is the first and foremost priority, but dent research partner for graduate study. with the expectation of scholarship in one’s The rewards of this kind of scholarship field. That scholarship may take place in – priceless! the lab, relate to the application of one’s discipline in the workplace, or contribute to the pedagogy of the discipline.

Dr. Sean Mo (left), assistant professor of chemistry, works one-on-one with a student.  only one alma. knowledge

Check a dictionary and you will find two meanings to the word “scholarship.” Most associate the word with a financial award given to a student to help with college study or living expenses. The other definition identifies schol- arship as “academic learning and achievement.” Indeed, this second definition of scholarship — the pursuit and discovery of truth — is the essence of higher education. While this pursuit takes place daily at the student level in the classrooms and labs at Alma College, faculty also are focused on scholarly activity in ways that not only add to new knowledge but benefit their classroom teaching. Alma College faculty actively conduct research in their fields of study, write about their work in scholarly journals, and present their findings at conferences across the world. Most of the time, scholarship occurs with students working side-by-side with faculty. This issue of Accents takes a closer look at faculty research. Scholarship takes many forms at Alma. In the humanities, for example, it’s Joanne Gilbert preserving personal Holocaust stories, Kate Blanchard studying Martin Luther’s religious thought on the topic of money, and Nicholas Dixon examining the ethics of trash talking in sports. In the social sciences, it’s Thomas Ealey examining management issues in human resources and Mary Theresa Bonhage-Freund studying vocation in culture. In the natural sciences, it’s Myles McNally developing com- puter science curricular materials with Lego® robots and Maurie Luetke- meier testing new hydration drink formulas for athletes. Or research may take place outside a faculty member’s academic field, such as biologist Kay Grimnes pursuing a long-held passion for providing quality advising resources to students. These are just a few examples of faculty scholarship at Alma College. In addition, there are many Alma alumni who are conducting faculty research at their home campuses. We provide a couple of examples from Oklahoma State University and Brown University. We hope you enjoy their stories.

Mike Silverthorn Editor, Accents

Faculty profiles by Amanda VanLente-Hatter The pursuit and discovery of and discovery The pursuit

thistle & pipes  PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES | Following is a sampling of recent scholarly activity by Alma College faculty: ART AND DESIGN | Sandy Lopez-Isnardi, presenter, “Simply Land- scapes: Pixels & Prints,” Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, Litchfield, Conn., April 28 through Sept. 8, 2007. | Carrie Anne Parks-Kirby, author, “26th Annual Alma College Statewide Print Competition,” Journal of the Print World, Winter 2007. Presenter, “Standing Geisha with Fan” and “Kneeling Geisha with Tea Bowl” teapots, 18th Annual Teapot Show, Chiar- oscuro Galleries, Chicago, April 1 through May 13, 2007. Presenter, “Figurative Ceramic Sculptures,” Domesticizing: Interior/Exterior Relations exhibit, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, Jan. 12 through March 9, 2007. | BIOCHEMISTRY | Joe Beckmann, author, “Reversible Covalent Inhibition of a Phenol Sulfotransferase by Coenzyme A,” Archives of Biochem- istry and Biophysics 457. | BIOLOGY | Karin Grimnes, author, “Haiku Works (15 poems),” Heron’s Nest, SxSE haiku journal, GEPPO, and “Echoes,” Echoes/New Resonance Poets Update, Red Moon Press. | Mark Oemke, author, “Index of Biological Integrity for Fish Communities of the Pine River,” Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters An- nual Meeting, Abstracts, . | BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | Elizabeth A. Cameron, presenter, “Restrictive Covenants in Physician Contracts: A Contentious Issue,” Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Indianapolis, Indiana, Aug. 12, 2007. Co-author, with Thomas Ealey, “The Ties That Bind ... Operational, Ethical Issues of Restrictive Covenants,” Medical Group Management Association – Connexion, July 2007. | Thomas Ealey, author, “Behavioral Challenges in Today’s (HR) Market,” E-Newsletter / Medical

Kate Blanchard Nicholas Dixon

Christians and money: The root of all evil Trash talking: Essential, acceptable or unethical? Though the Bible has plenty to say about money, Christians Trash talking is something that many people feel is inherent to throughout the centuries have interpreted those verses in differ- the world of athletics, but for Philosophy Professor Nicholas ent ways — or ignored them altogether. Alma College Assistant Dixon, it is unethical. Professor of Religious Studies Kate Blanchard decided to research Dixon’s article, “Trash Talking, Respect for Opponents, and Good one philosopher’s teachings. Competition,” was published in the inaugural edition of Sport, With a specialty in Christian ethics, Blanchard has always been Ethics and Philosophy in 2007. His interest in the topic was sparked interested in the topic of money. When she attended a seminar because of his fascination with cricket. The Australian cricket on Martin Luther during her graduate studies, she decided to team is famous for trash talking, and he wondered if it was really explore the 16th century church reformer’s economic teachings. essential to the sport. Her article, “‘If You Do Not Do This You Are Not Now a The topic was used as a class discussion in the past, and he found a Christian:’ Martin Luther’s Pastoral Teachings on Money,” was majority of students think the practice is acceptable — as long as the published in Word & World magazine in the summer of 2006. jesting is only about performance ability and is not personal in nature. Blanchard won an essay prize for doctoral candidates for the piece. In contrast to many of his students, Dixon has long thought the “Money is an essential way for Christians to express their faith practice was wrong. He argues that there is no other activity or in God,” she says. “Luther was adamant that people who spend profession that even remotely allows trash talking — so why is it money frivolously while their neighbors are starving are not acceptable in sports? being Christians.” “I have more faith in athletes than many people do,” he says. “I In her article, she points out that Luther not only criticized indi- think they can rise above it.” viduals’ financial misdeeds, but those of the church as well. He Around the time Dixon’s article was published, an article from was especially harsh in regards to the practice of Catholics buying another sport philosophy scholar came out defending the prac- their forgiveness from church officials in the form of indulgences. tice. Other than those two pieces, Dixon is unaware of any other Luther also argued that it is not the responsibility of those who give academic work on trash talking. money to determine whether a needy party actually deserves the But he is used to not seeing any other discussion about his re- money. Regardless of how the givers feel, they should give to all search topics. He enjoys using applied ethics to raise questions who are in need, no matter what the reason. about situations that are controversial and that people take for Blanchard was challenged in the fact that she is neither a Luther granted. The most replies he ever received came from an op-ed scholar nor a historian, which is why she framed the text as a piece he wrote about running up the score. pastoral teaching. That op-ed piece was what got him interested in the philosophy She joined Alma College in 2006 after completing her doctoral of sport. After the piece ran, a colleague suggested he send it to a program at Duke University. journal in the field. He has been an editor for the Journal of Philosophy and Sport and the president of the International Association for the Philosophy of Sport. Dixon has been at the College since 1986 and is the chair of the Philosophy Department.

 thistle & pipes Group Management Association. Jan. 10, 2007; “Out of Sight and Out of Control? (External Billing Companies),” Journal — Medical Group Management Association, January 2007; “Pursue Business Arrangements with Skepticism,” Ambulatory Surgery Compliance and Reimbursement. Feb. 1, 2007, “Compliance Sampling Without Tears,” Health Care Compli- ance Association / Compliance Today, April 1, 2007; “Accentuate the Positive,” Health Care Compliance Association / Compliance Today, July 2007; Human Resources for Ambula- tory Surgery Centers, HCPRO, first edition, July 1, 2006; “Rx for Business Success: Starting a Medical Practice, published by Medical Group Management Association”, first edition, Aug. 1, 2007. Presenter, “HR: Accentuate the Positive,” American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons — Practice Administrators’ (BONES) Society, Chicago, Ill., May 2007; “Financial Decision Models in ASCs,” American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Center, Denver, May 2007; and “Operational Benefits from Compliance Auditing Programs,” Health Care Compliance Association, , October 2007. | CHEMISTRY | Sean J. Mo, co-presenter, “Problem Based Learning in Large Chemistry Lecture Courses,” International Conference Problem Based Learning, Lima, Peru. | COMMUNICATION | Joanne Gilbert, author, “Up From the Ashes: Michigan Holocaust Survivors Share Their Stories,” a book published by Smith and Kraus. Presenter, “Ann Richards’ 1988 DNC keynote address” and “Connecting with the Community: Creating,” National Communication Association, San Antonio. | ECONOMICS | George Choksy, author, “Sir Dudley North’s Earliest Known Essay on Monies and Prices: Analysis of the Ottoman Empire’s Great Recoinage,” History of Political Economy, Fall 2007. | EDUCATION | Peggy Thelen, with Janet Navarro, presenter, “Learning to Teach, Learning to Serve,” Michigan Campus Compact Service

Thomas Ealey Mary Theresa Bonhage-Freund

Workplace challenges: Tattoos, iPods and Vocational calling common in many cultures employee behavior In Western society, vocation is considered a calling to do a particu- A 30-year career as a medical care executive and consultant gave lar, usually altruistic, work. An Alma College associate professor of Associate Professor of Business Administration Thomas Ealey sociology and anthropology used her 2006-07 sabbatical to research background to write an article about basic human resources chal- if the concept of vocation exists in other countries and cultures. lenges in health care. Mary Theresa Bonhage-Freund received a grant from the Dis- The article, “Behavioral Challenges in Today’s (HR) Market,” covering Vocation project at Alma to fund her research. was published in the e-newsletter of the Medical Group Manage- “In our culture, getting a calling tends to be a luxury — not ment Association in January 2007. everyone can afford to be a doctor for the poor,” she says. “Voca- “Human resources is a big issue because it is labor intensive and tions in the United States tend to not just affect the person, but complex,” he says. others surrounding that person, especially that person’s family.” The article addresses many basic human resources issues, includ- Her interest was piqued after she observed a lack of literature on ing vacation time and professional behavior, as well as genera- non-Western cultures having a concept of calling, or how that tional differences. concept is perceived. “How do you handle an employee with a tattoo, cell phone, iPod Bonhage-Freund’s hypothesis is that work based on some kind of and behavioral issues?” he says. “These are things that aren’t call is found not just in Western culture but also in many cultures necessarily part of the administrator’s primary job but can become over space and time. Though it was a challenge to use databases part of it.” created by others for cross-cultural comparisons, she found that overall her hypothesis was supported. Ealey speculates that some of these problems occur because the younger generation has not been trained in how to be a profes- “There is a calling concept in other cultures, but it can be varied sional. He wrote the article to give health care administrators depending on that culture,” she says. tools to deal with these issues. Other cultures are completely geared toward receiving a calling “Human resources has become a lot more formal because of privacy and partake in ritual activities such as fasting, possibly as a part of regulations in health care, and most facilities don’t have a lot of man- rite of passage or as part of coming-of-age activities. The calling agement personnel,” he says. “I write about this issue a lot because may come in the form of a dream, by hearing voices or as part of there’s a need for concise material with practical applications.” spirit possession. His background in human resources came as an accident. He was “People are often socialized from birth to anticipate a calling,” approached by various medical care facilities that needed assis- she says. “If a ritual is invoked and they do not receive a call, they tance with employee policies. Over the years he has researched will go through ritual again, until they get a call.” a large variety of human resource law and has hosted various She found that work in a religious order, such as a monk, or seminars about employee handbooks. in healing arts, like a shaman, were the most common callings Ealey came to Alma College in 2006 after teaching at Xavier mentioned. University. “The language of vocation is universal; it’s just that different cultures see it different ways,” she says.

thistle & pipes  Learning Institute, , Livonia, Feb. 8-9, 2007; “Preservice Teachers Integrating Service Learning and Technology: Let’s Brainstorm!” Lilly North Conference, Traverse City, Mich., Sept. 15, 2006. Author, “The Reality Gap Between Teacher Perceptions and Family Expectations and Attitudes of Emerging Literacy,” Michigan Reading Journal, March 1, 2007. | ENGLISH | Carol Bender, presenter “Taking it Literally: Tennessee Williams’ One Acts in Key West,” Conference of the American Alliance for Theatre Education, Vancouver, B.C.; “Historical Gratiot County: A Collection of Stories,” 11th Annual Institute for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, Schoolcraft College, Livonia, Mich., Feb. 8-9, 2007. | William Palmer, author, “Teaching Hidden Wholeness: Spirituality and Literature,” Journal of College and Character, May 23, 2007; three poems, “The Boy Inside,” “A Spool of Faith,” and “Calling Home,” Stuttering Recovery: Personal and Empirical Perspectives. Award, “A String of Blue Lights,” a chapbook of poems, winner in a na- tional poetry competition sponsored by Pudding House Press, Columbus, Ohio. | Robert Vivian, author,“ Death of a Shortstop,” Scoring From Second: Writers on Baseball”; The Bomb-Maker’s Son, first edition to be published in 2008 by University of Nebraska Press; Lamb Bright Saviors, first edition to be published in 2010; “Hearing Trains,” Silent City. Awards, “Hotel Auschwitz,” notable essay, The Best American Essays of 2007; The Mover Of Bones, finalist, 2007 Binghamton University John Gardner Fiction Book Award. | Laura von Wallmenich, presenter, “Darksome Geographies: Edgar Huntly and the Mapping of Early National Identities,” Michigan Early Americanists, Lansing. | Mary Wendt, presenter “Teaching Matters: Writing Assignments and Assessment,” Alma College, Jan. 18, 2007. | HISTORY | Liping Bu, panelist, “The Body Social and the Body Politick: New

Joanne Gilbert Kay Grimnes

Drama captures stories of Michigan A passion for advising results in new Web site Holocaust survivors Kay Grimnes walked into Big Apple Bagels in Mt. Pleasant one For every story heard about the Holocaust, there are many more day, her base of operations while writing an advising Web site for that go untold. Joanne Gilbert’s life-long interest in the Holocaust Alma College students. made her want to tell those stories. Another patron was sitting at the table she usually occupied, so Her work, titled “Up From the Ashes: Michigan Holocaust Survi- she went to look for another. vors Share Their Stories,” involved six Michigan Holocaust survi- “Wait,” the patron said. “I’m almost done checking my e-mail.” vors, a class of 12 Alma College students and a year of hard work. The biology professor said she could just find another table, “I felt drawn to survivors’ stories both because these are truly but the patron insisted. “No, I know you sit here every day. I’m remarkable and inspiring people, and because I wanted to advo- almost done.” cate for these marginalized voices,” says Gilbert, a member of the Communication faculty since 1994. “I wanted to tell their stories A bad experience with an academic advisor gave Grimnes a to as many people as I could.” passion for advising beginning when she was an undergraduate student. She used that passion to complete a comprehensive advis- Gilbert conducted her research using performance ethnography. ing Web site during her winter 2007 sabbatical. She located the survivors through a contact at the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills. Each survivor took part The site — www.alma.edu/academics/advising — includes tips on in an in-depth interview, and she then transcribed the 150 pages various topics, including how to plan coursework, develop study of interviews, using the text to create a 25-page script. strategies and select a major. Grimnes combined tips for many academic sites with her own experiences as an advisor and student, “Humans are inherently drawn to drama,” she says. “I knew that making sure to tailor the information to Alma College students. the most effective way to tell these stories was to stage them — to compel and captivate audiences with their power. I was surprised “As an advisor, it’s hard to know what a student needs,” she says. at the universality of the stories. This was fortuitous because it “Now once we’ve diagnosed the problem, we can send students to enabled me to weave the narratives together thematically.” the site to self-learn.” Students enrolled in her 2006 Spring Term class, “Performing The site began as a manual for academic advisors and just kept Advocacy,” performed the roles in the play and provided techni- growing. The site is currently focused on freshmen and sopho- cal support. They met with the survivors and listened to audio mores, because fewer students grasp the difference in intensity transcripts of the interviews to mimic the survivor’s speaking. between high school and college. “The students were incredibly committed to portraying these people “There are a lot of sticks out there waiting to hit students, and accurately,” she says. “They did absolutely phenomenal work.” this site helps them know where those sticks are,” she says. In addition to staging the actual play, Gilbert also coordinated Students have access to information any time they need it. Get- presentations to area schools during the winter of 2006 to preview ting this kind of information in person might take students to six the performance. About 700 people attended the production and or eight different people. She plans to use the winter of 2008 to the question-and-answer session with four of the survivors. expand the site for returning students and advisors. “I felt incredibly honored and privileged to get to know the sur- “To me, advising is just another version of problem solving,” she says. vivors,” she says. “I have remained in touch with them, and they “The purpose of the Web site is not to make the rapids easier, but to continue to enrich my life and inspire me.” show students how to negotiate the rapids with greater success.”

 thistle & pipes Understandings of Women’s Tiyu in Late Imperial and Republican China,” National Annual Conference of the Association for Asian Studies, Boston, March 22-25, 2007. | Patrick Furlong, presenter, “Afrikaner Nationalism and the European Right,” American Historical Association, Atlanta, Georgia, Jan. 7, 2007. | Edward Lorenz, presenter, with Micheal Vickery and students, “Lessons from a Community Effort to Find Institutional Support for Environmental Health Research,” American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., Nov. 5, 2007; “Community Strategies to Overcome Policy Corruption and Distortion,” U.S.-EPA Community Involvement Conference, Jacksonville, Fla., June 22, 2007. | Kristin Olbertson, author, “Criminally Impolite: Law, Speech, and Power in Eighteenth-Century Massachusetts,” The Society of Early Americanists and the Omohundro Institute of Early American History, Williamsburg, VA, June 9, 2007. | LIBRARY SCIENCE | Jennifer Starkey and Angie Kelleher, presenters, “Venturing Off the Island: Librarian Involvement in the Campus Community,” American Library Association Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., June 25, 2007. | Steven Vest and Jennifer Starkey, presenters, “CONTENTdm Success Stories: Alma College’s Online Photo Archive,” American Library Association, Seattle, Wash., Jan. 20, 2007. | MATHEMATICS | Zhewei Dai, presenter, “Local Regularization for the Nonlinear Inverse Autoconvolution Problem,” Inverse Problems Symposium, Michigan State University, June 11, 2007. | Myles F. McNally, author, “Supporting the Rapid Development of Pedagogically Effective Visualizations,” The Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, October 1, 2007; “Review of Leondes C. (ed), Intel- ligent Knowledge-based Systems: Neural Networks, Fuzzy Theory and Genetic Algorithm Techniques,” Kluwer Academic, Norwell, MA, 2003, Computing Reviews, 2007; “Demon-

Maurie Luetkemeier Myles McNally

Dehydration study may result in new Gatorade Using Lego® robots to advance computer drink formula science education Dehydration is a large concern during any kind of physical activ- Who would’ve thought a favorite childhood toy would be a key to ity. Alma College Exercise and Health Science Professor Maurie teaching computer science? Luetkemeier researches dehydration from a variety of angles. Computer science Professor Myles McNally collaborated with He co-authored a chapter titled “Dehydration” for the Encyclo- two other professors to innovatively use Lego® robots in computer pedia of Human Nutrition in 2006 with Andrew Subudhi and science education. A $500,000 grant from the National Science E. Wayne Askew. In the fall of 2007, he conducted sabbatical Foundation, shared with Villanova University and the University research with Gatorade. of Mississippi, provided the chance to develop curricular materials During his time at the University of Utah, Askew was ap- using these low-cost robotics kits for computer science classrooms. proached by a publisher to complete the chapter and asked “The Lego® robots deal with obstacle avoidance and mapping Luetkemeier to write the exercise portion. For the second edition, and can be used to illustrate a wide variety of computer science Subudhi compiled most of the updates. techniques,” McNally says. “It was wonderful collaborating with colleagues in two depart- The grant started on Aug. 1, 2003 and ended on July 31, 2007. It ments — Subudhi in exercise and sport science and Askew in not only funded a substantial development of curricular material, nutrition,” he says. but also funded six workshops for faculty around the country. Luetkemeier’s biggest challenge was taking the vast amount of The workshops were held every six months, with two at each material available on dehydration and exercise and deciding what school. Lasting three and a half days, the workshops gave educa- to include. All in all, it took about three months to compile the tors from a wide range of colleges and universities a chance to material and write the chapter. learn the material. For the fall of 2007, he worked at the Gatorade Sports Science About 20 to 25 faculty members attended each session, ranging Institute in Barrington, Ill., researching how the addition of high from professors at small community colleges to faculty at the amounts of electrolytes to a pre-hydration drink formula may University of California-Berkley. affect time trial performance in cyclists. “My favorite part was being able to run workshops and meet faculty The drink is supposed to cause a significant fluid retention, so from all over the country,” McNally says. “I was able to use them as when athletes start a vigorous workout, they already have a large a resource as well, and it has led to some neat collaborations.” supply of fluid in their system. In addition, the grant funded four undergraduate research proj- He hoped to finalize his research by the end of the fall term. ects at Alma College, and the curricular materials will be used to Luetkemeier came to Alma College in 2001 from the University teach a 2008 Winter Term course on artificial intelligence. of Utah. “The research helped me get to know new skills and increased my personal ambition toward computers,” says Charles Bachner, a 2006 graduate and participant in one of the research projects.

thistle & pipes  strating the Capabilities of MindStorms NXT for the AI Curriculum,” Proceedings of 2007 AAAI Spring Symposium (Robots and Robot Venues: Resources for AI Education Track, AAAI Technical Report, 2007; “Development of XML-based Tools to Support User Interaction with Algorithm Visualization,” SIGCSE Bulletin; “Exploiting MindStorms NXT: Mapping and Localization Projects for the AI Course,” Proceedings of the 20th International FLAIRS Conference, 2007. Co-presenter, “Developing Algorithm Visualizations for Computer Science Instruction,” 38th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Covington, Ky., March 7-10, 2007. | John F. Putz, presenter, “A Course with a Focus on the Other Two R’s,” American Mathematical Society & Mathematical Association of American annual joint meeting, , January 2007. | MUSIC | Scott Messing, presenter, “Schubert, Gender, and the Viennese Modernist Imagination,” Modern Austrian Literature and Culture Association, University of Alberta, Edmonton, April 13-15, 2007. | Will Nichols, performer, Handel’s “Messiah,” Saginaw Choral Society, Saginaw, Mich., 2007; “Bach Magnificat,” Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, 2007. Conductor “Bach Easter Oratorio,” Baroque on Beaver, Beaver Island, 2007; with Anthony J. Patterson, “The Sea Witch,” Pirate Song, Women’s Chorus. | PHILOSOPHY | Nicholas Dixon, author, “Trash Talking, Respect for Opponents, and Good Competition,” Sport, Ethics and Philosophy, 2007. Presenter, “Children’s Autonomy, Parental Rights, and Sport,” “Children, Sport and Physical Activity: Philosophical Dimensions,” University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, May 30-June 1, 2007. | PHYSICS | Cameron Reed, author, “Arthur Compton’s 1941 Report on Explosive Fission of U-235: A Look at the Physics,” accepted for publication, American Journal of Physics; “A Graphical Look at Uranium and Plutonium

Kris Giles ’90 and Christine Johnson ’90 Spousal research: He studies insect predators, The research group conducted a study of marriage and divorce in she focuses on family science Oklahoma and neighboring states, which was replicated in Utah, Arizona and Florida. Oklahoma State researchers got their start at Alma She has also helped create The Rise School of Stillwater, a pre- In a navy blue dress and flats, Christine Johnson was so in awe of school program that integrates young children with disabilities the freshman processional during opening convocation that she such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and Down’s syndrome with never noticed losing her roommate in the line. their non-disabled peers. “Instead, next to me there was some freshman guy who’d obvi- “Working with the families served by this school has been the ously NOT gotten the message about dressing up for the event most rewarding experience I’ve had,” she says. – since he was wearing sweatpants and carrying a basketball,” the 1990 graduate says. “I sat there listening to the United States Sec- Both Giles and Johnson were drawn to Alma College by the sense retary of Education until this ‘guy’ sitting next to me interrupted of community on campus. Giles had a lifelong interest in biology my concentration and tried to start a conversation!” and was drawn to his research area after working with Dr. Rich- ard Roeper on a summer undergraduate research project dealing That “guy” was Kris Giles. About a week later they would bump with ambrosia beetles. into each other between classes and have their first date watching Pretty in Pink in Tyler-Van Dusen – where, six years later, they “I merged that experience and interactions with Dr. Kay Grimnes would hold their wedding reception. to form an interest in predator prey dynamics,” he says. Giles and Johnson now work for Oklahoma State University. Johnson double majored in sociology and psychology. Taking in- Giles is an associate professor of biology specializing in ento- troduction to sociology and social psychology sparked her interest mology and predator-prey dynamics (biological control) in an in social science research and also in family science. agricultural setting. Johnson is the associate dean for research and “The courses I took made me curious to understand how the so- graduate studies in the College of Human Environmental Sci- cial context of school and work impact family dynamics and child ences. Her research focuses on family science. outcomes,” she says. “I’ve been studying and researching these “At Oklahoma State, I have the opportunity to inspire everyone issues ever since.” from freshman to Ph.D. students: I teach the freshman research Both say the emphasis on academic excellence and the close symposium class, and I co-teach (with the dean) the advanced interaction with faculty are experiences they could not have gotten graduate seminar that is required for all Ph.D. students in the anywhere but Alma. college,” Johnson says. “The best part of my job is the faculty and “In addition, there was an appreciation for diverse talents and students with whom I work.” various venues existed for students to demonstrate their talents,” “Together we have more than 80 research publications and book Johnson says. “The total ‘Alma College experience’ not only chapters and over $5 million in grants,” Giles says. “The best part prepared us for the next steps in our professional fields but also of my job is when my graduate students and postdocs get jobs.” promoted responsible citizenship.” His current research investigates the role of insect predators and Giles was involved in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, intramural sports and parasitoids in agricultural systems. He also is the editor of Envi- was a teaching assistant while at Alma. Johnson was a member of ronmental Entomology and Annals of Applied Biology. the Kiltie Band and . Johnson is the chair of The Oklahoma Marriage Initiative’s The couple completed their graduate education at Iowa State research advisory group. The project was launched to provide University. They enjoy traveling, college athletics and taking their marriage education services to premarital and married couples. Labrador retriever on walks.

10 thistle & pipes Fissility,” submitted, Journal of Chemical Education; Quantum Mechanics, first edition, published by Jones & Bartlett, 2007. Reviewer, National Science Foundation Astronomy program (subprogram: Populations, Surveys & Clusters), on Galactic Structure in Arlington, VA, March 26-27, 2007; Bomb Scare: The History & Future of Nuclear Weapons by Physics & Society, a newsletter of the American Physical Society, 2007. | POLITICAL SCIENCE | William Gorton, author, Karl Popper and the Social Sciences, published by SUNY Press. Presenter, “Karl Popper’s Negative Utilitarianism,” Midwest Political Science Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, Ill., April 2007. Panelist, “How Should We Do Political Theory?” Midwest Political Science Association Annual Meeting. | PSYCHOLOGY | Mark Setterlund, consulting editor, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2006 and 2007. Co-presenter, “Love at First Sniff: Testosterone and Olfactory Cues of Attraction” and “Anxiety and Self-esteem Predict Use of Prototype Matching to Choose Social Situations,” Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Memphis, Tenn. | RELIGIOUS STUDIES | Kathryn Blanchard, author, “The Gift of Contraception: Calvin, Barth, and a Lost Protestant Conversation,” Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, Spring/Summer 2007; “Should Christians Give Markets Another Chance?” The Other Journal. August 1, 2007; “Third Ways: Thinking Ethically about Global Economics,” Political Theology. Author of reviews on Speaking of God: Relational Theology, by Paul R. Sponheim, in Religious Studies Review, January 15, 2007; Economic Compulsion and Christian Ethics, by Albino Barrera, in Religious Studies Review; God and the Evil of Scarcity: Moral Foundations of Economic Agency, by Albino Barrera, in Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics; Justice in a Global Economy: Strategies for Home, Community, and World, by Pamela K. Bru- baker, Rebecca Todd Peters, and Laura A. Stivers, eds. in The Christian Century and Religious Studies Review. Presenter, “Teaching World Religions as Transformative Practice,” Teaching Scholars, Chang- ing Models: Consultation with Women Activists in the Academy, Union Theological Seminary, New York City, May 2007. | SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOL- OGY | Mary Theresa Bonhage-Freund, co-author, Archaeology of the Lower Creek Indians, 1715-1830, published by University of Alabama Press, Jan. 1, 2007. Co-presenter, “Agriculture and Gardening in an Evolving Economy: Paleoethnobotanica Insights into Muskogee Adaptation in the American South- Chad Jenkins ’96 east,” Society for Economic Botany, Chicago, Ill., June 5, 2007. | Catherine V. Fobes, author of book reviews on Development of Culture, Welfare States The Best and Brightest and Women’s Employment in Europe by Birgit Pfau- Alma graduate honored as one of nation’s top scientists Effinger, in Gender, Work, and Organization, January 2007. Co-author, “Rethinking the Introductory A 1996 Alma College alumnus who is now an assistant professor of computer science at Course” and “Practicing Critical Pedagogy in Teach- Brown University was recently honored at the White House as one of the nation’s top ing Gender and International Development,” North young scientists. Central Sociological Association, Chicago, Ill. April 4-6, 2007; “Vocation and Racial Discrimination in Chad Jenkins was selected as one of the recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award Campus Ministry,” Journal of College and Character, for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for his research on the development of methods November 2007; “Critical Pedagogy in the Sociology for autonomous robot control and perception. His work advances the idea that robot con- Classroom: Challenges and Concerns,” Teaching trol and computational perception are better learned from human demonstration rather Sociology, January 2008. Author of a review, with than by explicit computer programming. Laura von Wallmenich, Our Social World; Introduc- tion to Sociology, by Jeanne Ballantine and Keith The PECASE program recognizes outstanding scientists and engineers who, early in Roberts, in Teaching Sociology, 2007. | SPANISH | their careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge. This Margarita L. Krakusin, author, “Cuerpo Y Texto: El Presidential Award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Government on scientists Espacio Femenino en la Cultura Afrocolombiana en and engineers beginning their independent careers. Maria Teresa Ramirez, Mary Grueso Romero, Edel- “I was extremely excited to get this award,” said Jenkins. “When your country recognizes ma Zapata Perez Y Amalia Lu Posso Figueroa,” Chambacu, la historia la escribes tu, edited by Lucia your effort, that’s a big deal.” Ortiz. She also had her interview with Gioconda Jenkins joined 58 other award recipients and President George W. Bush for a White Belli accepted for publication in Confluencia, Vol. 22, House photo opportunity on Nov. 1. Spring 2007. | THEATRE AND DANCE | John Dalziel, scene and lighting designer/technical direc- The Office of Naval Research funded Jenkins’ grant proposal, which was one of six re- tor, Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov, Alma College search projects selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for presidential recognition. Theatre, February 2007. Presenter, Three Sisters Chad and his wife, Sarah Loftus, are both 1996 Alma graduates. Chad has a master’s degree Scenic and Lighting Design,” Cover the Walls Ex- hibit, U.S. Institute for Theatre Technologies Annual from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in computer science from the Univer- Conference and Stage Expo, Phoenix, Arizona, sity of Southern California. He is in his fourth year as a faculty member at Brown University. March 2007. Scenic design and technical direction, “Being at Alma was a great experience because of the small classes and professors who The Runner Stumbles, by Milan Stitt, Alma College emphasized teaching and individual attention,” said Jenkins. “It really helped to have Theatre, April 2007. | Carol Fike, choreographer, professors who really cared.” “Moments Ago” and “Nacht Und Nebel” (Night and Fog), Alma College Dance Company, Oscar E. He cites faculty members Myles McNally, Tim Sipka, John Putz and Mel Nyman as “big Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts. | influences.” He also credits Physics Professor John Gibson “for pushing me to work hard. Thomas Morris staged “The Dance of the Wilis” from He would write on my papers, ‘You can do better than this.’ That had a big impact on me.” Giselle at Alma College, March 2007. His current academic research interests include “bringing robots to the people,” according to his faculty Web site at Brown University. “That is, finding ways for typical humans to program or teach robots that behave accord- ing to their expectations,” he states. “Toward this end, my research examines problems relating to robot learning from demonstration, robot perception of humans, dexterous manipulation, dimension reduction of robot experiences, and human-robot collaboration.”

thistle & pipes 11 Freshman class sets a record Scot royalty selected at Alma enrolled its largest new student class in its history last fall and its largest overall homecoming enrollment since 2001. New students totaled Anthony Rosenblum of Huntington Woods and 452, eclipsing the previous high of 442 new Monica Rentfrow of Alma were named 2007 students in 1992. The total enrollment of 1,355 homecoming king and queen at Alma College by a students represents a nine percent increase vote of the students. Other members of the home- over the previous year’s 1,215 headcount. coming court, voted on by the senior class, were “The increased enrollment is the result of Benjamin Place of Boyne City, Brandon Smith of a convergence of several factors, including Harrisville, John McFalls of Milford, Aaron Weis- strong academic programs, new student op- berger of Mullet Lake, Rebecca Peacock of Grand- portunities, enhanced facilities, earlier schol- ville, Terra Teague of Monroe, Carlie Alchin of St. arship offers and a campus wide commitment Helen and Amy Wegener of Traverse City. to connecting with prospective students,” says Karen Klumpp, vice president for enrollment.

Alma pursuing articulation agreement with college in Ecuador Alma College representatives visited Quito, Ecuador, in October to explore an expanded collaboration with the Academia Latino Americana. Over the past eight years, a number of Alma students have developed Spanish proficiency through the Academia’s intensive language immersion programs, have participated in service projects in Ecuador or have been part of Spring Term courses. The Academia’s president, Diego del Corral, has expanded his educational offerings, including the creation of a new liberal arts institution, Alpha College, which will offer degrees in business administration and environmental science. During their visit, President Saundra Tracy, Provost Michael Selmon, Vice Presi- dent for Finance and Administration Jerry Scoby and Modern Languages Profes- sor Margarita Krakusin committed to working on a formal articulation agreement with Alpha College. The proposed collaboration would increase opportunities for Alma students and faculty to study and teach in Ecuador. In addition, Ecuadorian students would have the option of transferring to Alma for their senior year and receive an Alma degree. Under the proposed agreement, as many as 50 to 60 South Teacher preparation pro- American students might transfer to Alma beginning in 2011. “We returned to Alma very excited about the possibilities that emerged gram rated ‘exemplary’ — from expanded opportunities for Alma College students in Ecuador, to a diversification of our campus and strengthened enrollment, to the potential to Alma College’s teacher preparation program offer Alma College courses in Ecuador and other auxiliary areas of collabora- has been rated “exemplary” following a com- tion like English as a Second Language and executive education,” says Tracy. prehensive review by the Michigan Department Tracy hopes to have an official articulation agreement finalized and signed by of Education. Criteria included pass rates on summer 2008. the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification, the results of surveys of student teachers and their su- pervisors, program completion rates, and whether the schools are preparing teachers in high need Alternative break service trips planned subject areas. More than 100 Alma College students, faculty and staff will participate in nine “This is a very favorable review that indicates to us alternative break service trips during winter break, Feb. 23 through March 1. that we are graduating quality educators who are The trips include two Habitat for Humanity choices, two faith-based opportu- ready to teach and have a real foundation not only nities, environmental restoration efforts, a refugee awareness experience, Hos- in education but in their content areas,” says Mark pice care, and work with developmentally disabled individuals and children Seals, chair of Alma’s education department. and adults affected by HIV/AIDS. Destinations include locations in South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi as well as Chicago.

12 thistle & pipes Calling all alumni! Tell us about your Alma College memorabilia!

Judith Pelter ’67 recently made an impressive eBay discovery: a 45-rpm record that chronicles the 1956-57 school year at Alma College. The record broadcasts a synopsis of the school year, including highlights of sporting events and audio of the choir singing the alma mater and former president Bob Swanson giving a speech. After purchasing the record, Pelter listened to it on her grand- daughter’s Fisher Price record player. “It was kinda fun,” she says. The record is only one piece of Alma College memorabilia owned by Pelter. She has a set of early College postcards, two historical books and an undated metal print block with the Alma College seal and a bagpiper. “It’s wonderful,” she says. One of the postcards, which Pelter found in a local store in Pennsylvania, pictures the Kiltie Marching Band. The postcard prompted Pelter to remember that the band posed for postcard photos while she was a student at Alma. Sure enough, Pelter discovered herself in the postcard photo after a closer examina- tion with a magnifying glass. Pelter’s collection prompted the Accents editorial staff to wonder about the unusual Alma College memorabilia that other alumni may have. For a story in the next issue of Accents, please share with us the College memorabilia you possess and the interesting stories behind them. In order to be included in the Spring 2008 Accents, we need to hear from you by April 1, 2008. You may contact us by e-mail at: [email protected], or by postal mail: Accents magazine, Attention: Mike Silverthorn, edi- tor; Alma College; 614 W. Superior St., Alma, Mich. 48801-1599.

thistle & pipes 13 14 great scots A race for awareness ‘Mr. Leatherback’ campaigns to save the oceans as habitats for endangered sea turtles

On your mark, get set... GO! been on Earth for 100 million years may only remain for another decade if we don’t start making an effort to “The Great Turtle Race,” a media and Internet event keep them around.” masterminded by Alma College alumnus Roderic Mast, launched last April with a worldwide audience Mast encourages his Alma friends to learn more about and the goal of generating awareness about endan- what they can do by visiting the CI Website at www. gered leatherback sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean. conservation.org. Mast, a 1979 alumnus with a degree in biology, is vice After graduating from Alma, Mast started his career president of Conservation International (CI) and a as a field biologist, doing research on sea turtles in lifelong advocate for conserving nature. He uses sea Mexico and Colombia and working as a naturalist in turtles as icons to get his conservation message out in the Galapagos Islands, but over the years he began to fun and interesting ways. view conservation as “more about understanding social relationships – and changing human behaviors.” He His efforts have reached millions of people, encourag- went on to earn his master’s degree in intercultural ing education and personal involvement in biodiversity management. He has worked in nature conservation conversation. Recently, he appeared on NBC’s Today for more than two decades. show as an expert on climate change, filmed live with Al Roker on the Equator near Quito, Ecuador. Another role places Mast in a life-sized sea turtle cos- tume dubbed “Mr. Leatherback.” The Great Turtle Race was engineered to be fun for people of all ages and all countries, says Mast, and to “What started as a gag gift from a friend of mine has encourage behavior changes that are positive for the now become a hugely popular Internet icon,” says world’s oceans, like reducing plastic pollution and Mast, who has appeared as Mr. Leatherback in more making wise choices about seafood consumption. than a dozen countries including sites like the Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt), the Coliseum in Rome, Chi- The race followed 11 turtles equipped with satellite na’s Great Wall, the Equator (with NBC’s Al Roker) tracking devices from Costa Rica, their nesting ground, and the Taj Mahal (India). to the Galapagos Islands, their feeding grounds. Their day-to-day progress was tracked online, and the Web According to Mast, “Mr. L is a cool dude – he has films site offered resources to teachers and students. on YouTube, thousands of members on his MySpace page, and he’s done fundraisers with rock groups Pearl Corporate sponsors like Yahoo!, Dreyer’s Ice Cream Jam and Ratatat. Check it out at www.mrleatherback. and Microsoft paid for naming rights, and even come- com for a laugh and to find out what you can do to dian Stephen Colbert had his own turtle, “Stephanie make a difference to save the oceans.” Coburtle the Turtle,” about which he reported four times on Comedy Central’s Colbert Report. Mast also runs a VIP travel program called CI-Sojourns, which aims to give his VIP donors, corporate partners A consortium that included CI, Costa Rica’s Ministry and other world opinion leaders “life-changing experi- of Environment, The Leatherback Trust and Stanford ences with nature.” For example, Rob Walton, chair of University ran the race. More than three million visi- Wal-Mart, recently made a $21 million commitment tors followed the race live at www.greatturtlerace.com, toward the development of marine protected areas fol- and the media coverage reached millions of readers, lowing several CI-Sojourns expeditions, and he is vastly listeners and TV viewers across the globe. changing the way that Wal-Mart impacts the planet by “If you followed The Great Turtle Race, you would introducing new sustainable technologies in their 4,700 have learned about some of the obstacles these turtles stores and with their 50,000-60,000 suppliers as well. face, including coastal development, fishing lines, When not on the road, Mast lives in Virginia with his plastic bags and, of course, global climate change,” says wife, Angela, and sons, Morrison, 17, and Terrill, 15. Mast. “Unfortunately, these amazing reptiles that have He dedicates time to nature photography and writing and is the author and co-author of several books. — Renee Pietila ’08

great scots 15 great scots 16 highlandgreat scots games Conserving nature Alumni couple pursues a passion for the environment

Don and Karen Stearns have an exceptional interest in environmental preservation — an interest that was “All of our purchases are to sparked in part by their time at Alma College. “Don and I did 10 years of wilderness canoeing and protect unusual areas from were captured by the solitude and lovely area of wild land north of Thunder Bay, near Lake Superior,” Kar- en says. “This certainly influenced us concerning land development with the hope preservation as we saw this area lost as wilderness.” The couple have been involved in the Nature Conser- that generations to come vancy for more than 30 years, purchasing 80 acres of land in the Upper Peninsula that is home to threatened plant and bird species (photo at left shows a wetland will have the opportunity to area of this property). “All of our purchases are to protect unusual areas from appreciate their value.” development with the hope that generations to come will have the opportunity to appreciate their value,” — Karen Stearns ’64 Karen says. Since 1983, they have purchased about 2,500 acres of virgin cloud forest in the Monteverde Cloud Forest The couple has deep ties to the area, living in the same Reserve in Costa Rica for preservation. house where Don grew up, on a farm in Riverdale. “We regularly go down to visit friends and enjoy Both were in education for more than 30 years, Karen walks in the cloud forest,” Don says. teaching French at Alma High School and Don teach- ing biology and chemistry at Montcalm Community “I love the wild places and the exotic wildlife that is College. They both continue to run the farm. preserved through the parks,” Karen says. Don graduated from Alma in 1963 with a major in They also are on the board of directors for the Fred physics and minor in mathematics. He continued to Meijer Heartland Trail, with Don as vice president Ohio University and The University of Waterloo for and Karen as treasurer. graduate studies. “Don’s original interest in the trail was to be able to When Don was in graduate school, his sister Nadine build and put out bluebird houses — that interest has introduced him to Karen, who lived on Nadine’s floor grown to a major involvement in land purchase, trail in Newberry Hall. Karen graduated with a vocal music maintenance and lots of meetings,” Karen says. “I was major and history and French minors in 1964. The interested in having a place to ride bikes. As it turns couple was married the same year. She received her out, my closest access to the trail will be 6.5 miles from Master of Fine Arts degree in vocal performance from our home.” Ohio University. The trail is located in Montcalm and Gratiot counties. It begins in Greenville and passes through Edmore, turning to go through Vestaburg, Riverdale and Elwell — Amanda VanLente-Hatter before ending in Alma.

great scots 17 Norris (right) with a classmate in front of the new, modern Korle Bu Hospital in Accra, Ghana, in 1969.

great scots 18 highlandgreat scots games Beating the odds Rebecca Norris ’64 overcame obstacles to enjoy career in medicine

Few women were attending medical school in 1966, but “I considered myself a sophisticated human being,” she says. with a determined mind and an Alma College education, “When I got to the girls’ boarding school, there was a native Rebecca Norris beat the odds. village on other side of the school. I arrived during the Fall A physics major with minors in French, mathematics and Mother Nature festival. I went to my room, and all of a sud- biology, Norris came to Alma College in 1960 on the sugges- den drums started pounding – I thought ‘They know I’m tion of her grandmother, Rose Carol Gray, class of 1914. here and they’re coming for me!’ Of course, it had nothing to do with my presence.” “She arranged a visit, and I fell immediately in love with the college,” the 1964 graduate says. “My great-uncle, Leon In addition to Peace Corps teachers, there were Russian and Gray, graduated in 1914, and my cousin and his wife, John British teachers at the school. Teaching during the height and Sylvia (Nelson) Koschara, graduated in 1954. It really is of the Cold War, Norris and her English counterpart were a family school.” warned to stay away from the Russians. Norris was interested in physics in high school and met Pro- She contracted hepatitis after about a year and was sent home fessor Louis Toller, then chair of the Physics Department, at by the Corps. However, the high school still wanted her to a picnic for incoming freshmen. teach, so she arranged to go back to the school on her own. “I was delighted with his enthusiasm for physics, and he In 1966, she entered medical school. During that time, she took personal interest in helping me develop and pursue my was able to return to Africa for a study on tropical medicine interests,” she says. “It has been clear to me over the years that and even use her French to translate for a medical conference. physicians would benefit from greater knowledge of physics.” “Did I have any discrimination during medical school be- With such a heavy schedule, Norris still had time to join cause I was a woman? Probably yes,” she says. “Getting into a writing group and tutor. She also attempted to learn the med school in the first place was an uphill battle because of bagpipes — though she was not successful, for which her being a woman. Once I was in med school, our professor of grandfather was very grateful. pharmacology actually was a lot kinder to the women in the class than to the men!” Her determination to reach her goal never wavered – even when she was recruited by the Navy. Graduating in 1970, she completed her residency training at the University of Illinois and specialized in endocrinology, “As a senior at Alma, there was a Navy recruiter that kept diabetes and metabolism. pestering me to take a test,” she says. “I had the bad luck of scoring higher on it than anyone else that he had ever seen. He “I had done all my medical training at the University of Il- wanted me to join, but the only medical program the Navy linois, and I thought ‘Probably the time has come to go out had for women was nursing, and I wanted to be a doctor.” into world and get a real job,’” she says. “It was on a com- plete and utter lark that I agreed to go for an interview with The academic quality of Alma’s education helped her gain The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo.” entrance to medical school at the University of Illinois. The pharmaceutical company gave Norris the opportunity “Had I attended a large school as an undergraduate, I believe to work in a team, developing and testing different drugs. I would have been far less successful academically,” she says. It also allowed her to treat patients in a free clinic provided “At Alma I was a person, not just another head in the crowd.” by Upjohn and be a member of Michigan State University’s However, Norris’ grandmother encouraged her to travel the community clinical faculty. world for a few years before attending medical school. She eventually left Upjohn to run a diabetes clinic. Though “She was utterly horrified when she learned that my re- she still keeps her medical license current to consult for sponse to her advice was to join the Peace Corps and fly off family and friends, she left her job to care for her parents. to Africa,” she says. “She was worried for my welfare. But I Currently, Norris lives in northern Michigan with her father. think she ended up being pleased with even that venture.” “My family was always very supportive of my goals in life,” Norris taught biology, physics and general science in Ghana she says. “A college education was important.” for two years at a girls’ boarding school. — Amanda VanLente-Hatter

great scots 19 The Forgotten Children of Eastern Europe Accents student writer Renee Pietila ’08 describes efforts by student organization to assist an orphanage in Ukraine

Forgotten Children of Eastern Europe (FCEE) is a non-profit ’10, also an FCEE student organization at Alma implemented by Svitlana Kob- member, “One zar ’03 to raise awareness and funds for addressing Ukraine’s thing I did learn problems causing street children. is that being Kobzar created the FCEE because of her “commitment to employed in bettering the lives of her countrymen and her experience in non-profit or acting as a change agent.” Since Kobzar’s graduation from charity work, Alma, the group has remained active and is currently led by even if paid, is Amy Wegener ’08 and Emelia Shroyer ’08 (pictured at right, looked down far right and far left, respectively). upon…[and thus] it doesn’t attract The organization funds an orphanage in Kiev, Ukraine, near people to the field. That probably has some- Kobzar’s hometown. The Veselka Orphanage previously thing to do with the slow response to the problem.” received no funding and was falling apart. All profits from FCEE events go directly to the Veselka Orphanage to fund One of the events FCEE is known for is its “Annual Walk for maintenance, school supplies, etc. Orphans” that is held on campus every fall. These walks receive good turnouts of students and help raise funds and awareness of Shroyer and Wegener each visited the orphanage in 2006. the issues in Ukraine. The 2007 walk raised $1,400. “Once I got there, each child had a name, a face and a story,” Last fall, FCEE invited a special speaker, Rev. Robert Gam- says Shroyer. “Each child was important and seemed even ble, from Odessa, Ukraine. Gamble specifically works with more deserving and in need of any help we could provide.” a monastery called the Way Home. Members of FCEE were FCEE is far from being a typical student organization. The introduced to Gamble and his organization while in Ukraine group has its own board of directors. Two students are given and felt that he would be an influential voice because of his the opportunity each summer to visit Ukraine for a month to ability to speak directly about the struggles in Ukraine and learn firsthand about the serious issues the country faces. The what his organization is doing to assist these children. His visits, free to the students, are funded by a special account set strategy to increase knowledge of street children and their up by a generous alumnus. stories was exceptionally beneficial; he used photography and short film clips as well as personal stories from his encounters. Ukraine has a long history of issues, including an AIDS epidemic and alcohol and substance abuse, which leads to The organization goes onto the streets and encourages the abuse of children and loss of custody. Many children find the street children to move into the Way Home, but many themselves on the street because they actually feel safer there. children decline. They are required to attend school at the monastery, along with other rules that are beneficial to the The government doesn’t seem to care about the severe class children. However, Gamble and his co-workers do not stop differences and the there; they provide food and medical attention to the children thousands of street on the streets. children living underground in Since its founding, FCEE has raised more than $30,000 by sewers, nor do the fundraising, contributions and grants. A majority of these gifts Ukraine people. were received from FCEE members’ hometown churches. But According to they are looking to be more successful, especially within the Brittany Law Alma community and with students and alumni. ’09, who visited Once Veselka is stable enough, FCEE hopes to branch out the orphanage and help other orphanages or ventures in Ukraine addressing in 2007 with the issue of street children. Ahna Danyluk — Renee Pietila ’08

20 great scots Dancing in Daytona Alma alumna co-founds first and only professional dance company in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Kristin Bender-Polizzi ’95 is co-artistic director and co- Bender-Polizzi feels fortunate to have nine talented profes- founder of Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre, the first sional dancers who took a leap of faith in committing to a new and only professional dance company in the Daytona Beach organization, many of whom have moved or commute long area of Florida. distances. Although Surfscape stands on its feet as a non-profit Following graduation in terms of funding, the organization is always looking for from Alma, Bender- support. The company attributes its survival thus far to the Polizzi earned a Mas- community and business sponsors. ter of Fine Arts degree Surfscape’s show in December 2006 included 50 local youth from Temple Univer- who auditioned for their parts of song and dance about the sity in Philadelphia. In Sadako Story. Prior to the performances, Bender-Polizzi com- 1998 she accepted a po- mented that in general “we hope people walk away thinking sition as dance director about the pieces — and then wake up the next day to have of Atlantic High School further thoughts about it...They may love what they saw or in Port Orange, Florida, disliked it — but they formed an opinion.” where she worked for Thinking back to her days at Alma, she remembers when six years and was named the Heritage Center did not exist, the shows were held at the Dance Educator of the Alma High School and practices were held in what became Year and president of the the weight room. state dance association. Bender-Polizzi feels that Alma has helped her get where she Bender-Polizzi had is today. always thought about having a professional “The small liberal arts setting allowed me opportunities in cho- dance company but reography that I wouldn’t have been allowed at a large univer- was fearful of jumping sity,” she says. “Dance instructor Carol Fike introduced me to into it alone. Somehow the path that I now follow — teach, choreograph and promote.” fate brought Bender-Polizzi and Rachel Leonard together — strangers who shared a similar dream. They met in 2005, — Renee Pietila ’08 when Bender-Polizzi was leaving the dance director position to open a dance retail store. They began planning what is now an influential company in Volusia County. The non-profit Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre strives to bring the art of modern dance to the Volusia County audience. The theatre came at a time when Daytona was reinventing itself and yearning for cultural diversity. Typi- cal dance performances attract between 40 and 100 audience members, but Surfscape has received several hundred people at each performance. They have also been fortunate to work with world-renowned photographer Jack Mitchell for the 2007 show, Sea Duet: A Ballet for Still Photography, as well as some prominent guest choreographers. Their large-scale mission is a tour season to begin in fall of 2008 as well as for a “long and fabulous life for Surfscape.”

great scots 21 Stafford Sarchet Butter Campbell Johnson Meyer Provost

Trustees welcome four new members CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Four new trustees attended their first Alma College board meetings on Oct. 5 and Gifts to Alma College support the 6. They are: $35.25 million Open Windows Cam- Dr. Michael Stafford ’87 • , a returning Board member and director of the paign, which focuses on strengthening Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills; student opportunities that build on and • Rev. Sarah Sarchet Butter ’88, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Wil- enhance classroom learning. mette, Ill. • Mr. C. David Campbell ’75, president of the McGregor Fund. He also is a This issue of Accents highlights the former associate dean of students at Alma. scholarly work of faculty and stu- • Rev. Kevin Johnson, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Detroit and dents, which is a major component leader in the Presbyterian Black Caucus. of the campaign. We hope you enjoy these articles about Collaborative Research. We also hope that you will consider making a gift to this campaign component and help us continue the great work that our students and fac- Awards and kudos for trustees ulty team up to accomplish.

The campaign continues to progress, Two Alma College trustees and alumni have received public recognition for out- with total funds received as of Dec. 31 standing work and service. at $29,166,562, which represents 83 Stephen Meyer ’80 was selected to receive the 2007 Outstanding Service Award percent of the goal. More than 8,287 from the American Academy of Family Physicians. The award is the Academy’s donors, from a database of approxi- highest recognition for vendors, suppliers and companies — or employees from mately 14,500, have contributed to those companies — that support the medical profession. Meyer is executive vice the Campaign. president of Welch Allyn Inc., a global producer and marketer of diagnostic and monitoring solutions for healthcare providers. Additional information about the Cam- David Provost ’76, board chair, received the Outstanding Leadership Award from paign and ways of giving can be found Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, a distinguished private Jewish school system with cam- on the Open Windows Campaign Web puses in Southfield and Oak Park. Provost, chairman and CEO of Private Bank in site at: Bloomfield Hills, was described as “a longtime anchor for the Detroit Jewish com- munity” at the annual Yeshiva Beth Yehudah recognition dinner that took place www.alma.edu/people/alumni/ Oct. 28, 2007 in the Detroit Renaissance Center. advancement/openwindows

22 great scots Arlan Edgar remembered for his teaching, research

Arlan Lee Edgar ’49 is remembered for a distinguished career that focused on teaching, research and encouraging students to participate in scholarly activities. Edgar, Alma College Charles A. Dana Professor Emeritus of Biology, died Dec. 22, 2007, at age 81. A memorial service took place Dec. 31 at the First Presbyterian Church in Alma. He taught at Alma College for 35 years with a two-year break for military service. He began his teaching career at Alma the year after he graduated from the College and retired in 1986. By his own estimates, he taught 900 biology majors. During that time he worked closely with more than 100 students on independent research projects in addition to the thousands of students he taught in biology courses. A strong advocate of student research, Edgar secured numerous National Science Foundation Undergraduate Division in 1981 and received the College’s Barlow Award Participation Grants and helped students publish their find- for Faculty Excellence in 1985. ings in regional and national journals. Upon his retirement, the College established the Edgar Biology Endowment for In addition to his degree from Alma, Edgar earned Master Student Research in the Biology Department. of Arts, Master of Science and doctorate degrees from the . He was a member of the American Through his research and publications he was recognized as Institute of Biological Sciences, American Microscopical So- a world expert on the arthropod group Opiliones, commonly ciety, Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, North Ameri- called daddy-long-legs. He was involved for almost 20 years can Benthological Society, and the Midwest Developmental with the University of Michigan Biological Station at Doug- Biology Society. las Lake, first as a student and then teaching the natural history of invertebrates. Edgar was a charter member of the American Arachnologi- cal Society. In 1968, he served as chair of the Zoology Section He claimed that his greatest honor came in the form of of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters. He unsolicited comments from former students acknowledging was a past treasurer, secretary, vice president and presi- the positive impact he had on their lives and careers. He ex- dent of the Club of Sigma Xi. In 1967 as pressed joy that he was able to teach the children of former a member of Beta Beta Beta, he was the association editor students. One of his most popular courses took students to of the northeast region of Bios, the organization’s journal. Jamaica during Spring Term studying marine invertebrates Edgar was elected secretary of the Ecology Division of the and constructing water and sanitary systems for the villages American Society of Zoologists for 1976-78. where they stayed. Edgar also was active in his community. For more than Edgar was recognized 20 years he sat on the Gratiot Community Mental Health in 1973 with the Michi- Board. He also sang in the choir at the First Presbyterian gan Academy of Sci- Church in Alma. He loved to fish and go sailing, make ence, Arts and Letters furniture for family and do woodworking in his home shop, Citation for Scholarly and enjoyed photography. Achievement. He was Alma’s Distinguished He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Rosemary Professor in the Edgar (Ken Hollingshead) of Leslie; Amy (Cary) Wellington Natural Sciences of Pleasant Lake; and Andy (Karen) Edgar of Denver Colo.; plus five grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.

— Mike Silverthorn

great scots 23 The play that saved football New book by Phil Brooks documents early history of

Jessee Harper and Phil “He did a good job that first year to establish a good attitude,” Brooks have a lot in com- says Brooks. “He taught a lot of skills. He energized the whole mon. community and brought out people from the community to Both were football coaches support the College. He had an outstanding program.” and athletic directors. Both Harper left Alma after two years to spend time with his fam- taught and coached at ily. He later coached at Wabash from 1909 to 1912. He was Alma College. Both had hired by Notre Dame on Dec. 6, 1912. a passion for competition “Notre Dame did the same thing that Alma did,” says and teaching the skills of Brooks. “They gave Harper a worthy salary and made him football to young men. athletic director and head coach of football, basketball, Brooks is the author of baseball and track. He did that for one year. The next year he : The Play hired as an assistant coach.” that Saved Football, a Alma College played a major role in the history of early col- historical account of col- lege football, says Brooks. The 1894 football team was Alma’s lege football from 1905 first, and it included Frank Knox, who later was publisher to 1913 when the game was transitioning from a brutal game of the Chicago Daily News and Secretary of Navy during of force where fatalities were common to a more sophisticated World War II. sport following the 1906 legalization of the forward pass. “But there has been inaccurate information,” he says. “For Researching thousands of early 1900s college and university example, when I first came to Alma, I was told that the first archival resources, including material at the Alma College forward pass was thrown by Notre Dame against Alma on Library, Brooks profiles many of college football’s early Bahlke Field in 1913. After research, I discovered that the coaches and pioneers, including Jesse Harper, who coached first forward pass was actually thrown by St. Louis Univer- Alma College’s football team in 1906 and 1907. Harper later sity in 1906.” went on to coach at and the . Writing the book was a rejuvenating experience, says Brooks, who found he missed the game of football following his “It was a very easy book to write in the sense that I related so retirement. well to Jesse Harper, the first full-time athletic director and head football coach at Alma,” says Brooks, who coached foot- “I feel good about validating a lot of football history and giv- ball at Alma from 1971 to 1990 and served as athletic director. ing credit to those who achieved so much,” he says. The legendary recommended Harper to After leaving Alma, Brooks founded Winning Inc. of Alma College President August Bruske in March 1906. Harp- America, a non-profit organization offering free violence pre- er came to Alma and signed a contract that called for him to vention and literacy recovery programs for youth attending be the full-time athletic director and head football, basketball, Benton Harbor’s Boys and Girls Club of America. During baseball and track coach. He also taught classes and proctored that time, he served concurrently as executive director as well Pioneer Hall, the men’s dorm. as head football coach and principal at Lake Michigan Catho- lic in St. Joseph, Mich., until his retirement in 2005. “He spent 24 hours a day with the kids, teaching and coaching all day and maintaining order in Pioneer Hall,” says Brooks. Forward Pass is available at national bookstores. As football coach, he implemented the forward pass into the offense, developed practice drills in order to teach the fun- — Mike Silverthorn damentals of passing, and formulated game strategies that utilized the forward pass. The 1906 team finished with a 3-2-3 record. In 1907, Alma improved to 5-1-1.

24 hhighland games In 2007 the Alma College women’s soccer team, in its second year under Head Coach Jeff Hosler ’02, doubled their wins from a year before finishing with its best record since 2003. The Scots faced in the first round of the MIAA Tournament and fell just short as the Knights scored two late goals to take home the win on their way to winning the tour- nament. The 2007 season saw the Maroon and Cream rack up 101 total points, up from just 41 two years ago, and also was witness to the emergence of Jessica Swan (Romeo) who broke the Alma College All-Time Single Season Goals Scored Record with 16 in her freshman campaign. Pictured here is Morgan Rudd ’11 of Jackson.

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26 great scots The true meaning of homecoming Alumni notes submissions

Homecoming is a wonderful Birth and wedding announcements event for alumni, students and Due to space constraints, we are unable to publish friends of Alma College. I’ve wedding or baby photos. We do not publish an- always enjoyed that time of nouncements of engagements or pregnancies, but celebration, but this past home- encourage submissions following the event. coming was different. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, and Note submissions becoming more nostalgic. Alumni notes can be submitted online at ; by returning the postage ary defines homecoming as “a paid envelope in this issue; or by addressing Alumni festive annual event usually held Relations Director, Alumni Notes, Alma College, by a college or university for its 614 W. Superior St., Alma, Mich. 48801-1599. alumni.” The current online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “the Photo submission return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a Photos can be sent electronically to place formerly frequented or regarded as home; especially: [email protected]. an annual celebration for alumni at a college or university.” The return home. I remember the first time I attended homecoming, after having graduated a number of years earlier. As I exited US-127 and drove toward campus, I was overwhelmed by a sense of nervous excitement that reminded me of the day I began my college experience. I drove through downtown Alma and arrived at campus. I Stay Connected! If you have recently moved to a new loca- was home. Still today, every time I travel to Alma, I feel that tion, had a change in employment and wish to become involved same sense of returning home. with the alumni Tartan Club in your region, simply contact the Alumni Office at 1-800-291-1312 or [email protected] for An annual celebration. Alma College is steeped in rich tradi- more information. tion, and homecoming provides a wonderful celebration for all who attend. The parade and football game are the most popular events of the weekend, but there are a number of additional activities that take place. Alumni meals, tailgating before the game, concerts, and department receptions with faculty provide additional opportunities to celebrate. A group of people. Homecoming is a time for alumni and friends to reminisce on their past experiences at Alma Col- alumni notes lege, and also to enjoy the present reality of their alma mater. The great thing about this is that we get to do so in the pres- ence of classmates, fraternity brothers and sorority sisters, 1934 Alice Girvin Modders ’34 lives in Friendship Village. and other alumni. Every year, I catch up with old friends, A daughter and a son live nearby while the other son lives and am also blessed to meet many new friends. in Colorado and is self employed. Alice’s years at Alma were Those who have been touched by Alma College share a happy and valuable, and she wonders if anyone from her era is common bond that it difficult to describe in words. We all still around. understand that Alma is a special place, and we share a deep 1939 Bill Bainbridge Jr. ’39 says hello to all the oldies from appreciation for the impact that Alma College has had on the class of ’39. He is thankful for the education he received at our lives. Alma as well as the wonderful memories. This is the true meaning of homecoming. It’s about gather- 1943 Graham Marks ’43 remarried in 2006 after 60 years ing with special people to remember a significant time in with his first wife, “bless her soul.” He enjoys retirement of 23 our lives. It’s about reliving old memories, and creating new years by traveling and walking outdoors. ones. It’s about coming home. 1948 Janet Cordes Clay ’48 reports that Lois and Jack Car- Brian Bartes ’87 man ’50 visited from California. They met with other alumni in early November and had a great time catching up. President, Alumni Board 1949 Norma Pinkerton Nisbet ’49 celebrated her birthday with 18 family members on a cruise to Alaska in summer 2007.

tartan tidbits 27 and Alma College’s Homecoming. “Every year we have a good time with Alma College alumni while we are at our place Phonathon fun! in Naples, Florida.” George is planning a Carter first cousin reunion in Savannah, Georgia. • Phyllis Dresbach Hedberg ’58 has a son, Bill, who is selling exercise machines at www.shentaostudio.com and a granddaughter, Avery, who lives in Seattle. • Bob Ruggles ’58 invites Alma friends to stop by the Rancho Verde RV Park at Camp Verde, AZ if you are in Arizona for the winter. • Janet Osborne Stone ’58 lives in Grayling in the summer. She travels, reads and enjoys family and friends. She turned 71 this year.

The Alma College Phonathon Calling Team worked diligently for eight weeks in the fall to raise money for the 1959 Gordon Snyder ’59 and his wife, Alma Fund, which is critical to each facet of the College’s operations. These students love chatting with alumni Fran, after five winters in Florida sold and sharing current stories and campus happenings. their home and now live in Crystal. Their two children and six granddaughters live She reports that the bears, whales, glaciers, ties so he enjoys and more time on his nearby. “We are home!” totem poles and snow-covered mountains boat. For more information about Gordon, 1960 Beverly Haas Bott ’60 has a were awe-inspiring. visit www.waniganbuilders.com. • Carol granddaughter who is a freshman at Cummings Kutzner ’55 1952 Ruth Rose Colsell ’52 attended came home from a Alma this year. • Thomas Vaillancour the 2007 reunion with her sisters Phyllis trip to Northern China, Mongolia, Siberia ’60 never became a famous professional Rose Teubert ’55 and Peggy Rose Kleck- and Western Russia to be married. She and athlete, but he has met several since mov- ner ’52. • Harry Jessop ’52 wrote because Nick were married Sept. 5 on the beach in ing to Arizona. Robin Yount was at a he doesn’t see much news from his class Jamaica. Her address and phone number boys’ basketball clinic as an umpire. Ernie anymore. He is still working but not sure will stay the same. Banks was a guest speaker at the Arizona why. 1956 Esther Gilmore Arnold ’56 mar- Umpires Association. Tom refereed Rhyne 1953 Eugene Huget ’53 and Barbara ried Dale Emeott after the death of Gene Sandberg’s son’s soccer game and played ’54 Wisniewski Huget ’55 celebrated their two years ago. They are very happy and tennis with Frank Kosh, the great football 50th wedding anniversary with their were married on July 6 with all their chil- coach at Arizona State University. four children and six grandchildren. • L. dren and grandchildren present. 1961 Madeline Coleman Ehlert ’61 Wayne Johnson ’53 and wife, Marie, now 1957 Chuck Hornbrook ’57 retired retired and moved to Arizona. have six children, 11 grandchildren and in Florida in 1979. • David McGinnis ’57 1962 Mary Heying Beilby ’62 retired one adopted grandchild. Of the grand- played offensive and defensive tackle for the as a librarian at SUNY Cortland in 2000 children, two have college degrees, Drew 1951 R.N. Mandeville High School football and since has worked part-time as a sys- is a junior at Minnesota State studying to team that was inducted into the Greater tems change advocate for people with dis- be a teacher, Cary is a junior at Concordia Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in October abilities, working on affordable housing, studying business and is a football full- 2007. The same team was also inducted co-housing, aging and other issues. E-mail: back. Another is a senior at Apple Valley into the Carman Ainsworth High School [email protected]. • Charles Mires ’62 High School and was a wrestler on their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. reports that his granddaughter, Sydney state championship teams in 2006 and 1958 Douglas Henderson ’58 retired Beckwith, is now an Alma freshman and 2007. five years ago after 44 years in education. will be playing basketball for the Scots. 1954 Frank Williams ’54 and his He spent 21 years teaching grades 4-12, 23 Grandson, Steve Beckwith, 14, played for family celebrated his 80th birthday in years as a school administrator, and the last the Central Michigan Pony League All June. His immediate family now num- 12 years as school district superintendent in Stars who advanced to the Pony League bers 28. He continues to practice ministry central California. He does wood working World Series in Pennsylvania in sum- in Michigan and Florida churches. “We as a hobby and serves as an ombudsman for mer 2007. Following his team was a great visited our dear friend, Alice Modders ’34, long-term care residents. • Marion Isher- experience for the entire family. • Donn on her 95th birthday in Columbus, OH.” wood Arps ’58 will spend two months in Neal ’62 is happily retired in a high-rise George Carter condominium in downtown Pittsburgh 1955 Gordon Converse ’55 is proud Sicily with her daughter. • ’58 where they are close to everything, cultur- of the fact that the building firm he and and his wife, Judie, visited friends and al events, recreation, sports venues and the his brother founded celebrated its 50th others they know in Las Vegas, Tucson and rest. They are active volunteers at several anniversary in January 2007. Several years Phoenix in October 2006. On Oct. 12-14, places and have a great church downtown. ago, his daughter assumed Gordon’s du- 2007, they enjoyed his 50th TKE reunion

28 tartan tidbits 1963 Dale Brown ’63 wrote a bagpipe Kirkham Ott ’64 and husband, Larry, are new freedom to be with grandchildren in book and has published bagpipe music retired and living in Au Gres, the sunrise Marquette. • Elizabeth Coddington Chater of Master Piper John MacColl, including side of Michigan. They enjoy golfing, the ’68 found the Leadership Survey (Fall ’07 his unpublished works. The music he has lake, and their two golden retrievers. • Accents) particularly interesting and ap- published is being sold internationally by Klotylda Phillippi ’64 enjoyed homcoming! preciated the articles on Alma leaders Gary College of Piping in Glasgow. • Nancy • Barbara Sanford Stoecker ’64 is retired Fenchuk and others. She hopes more Alma Gobel Meyer ’63 combined turning 65 and and spends the winter in The Villages with alumni can make a difference in the world. her 35th anniversary with two trips. In husband, Paul. They have two adopted • Devere Curtiss ’68 returned to minis- March, they sailed in the Seychelles and grandchildren from Russia, Mathew and try in Austria in 2004 where he works to went on an African safari in the Serengeti. Katie, as well as a new grandson, Maxwell. establish evangelical churches. He and his They completed scuba diving certification • Robert VanEvery ’64 and wife, Janis, wife, Lee, did this work from 1979-1993, and dove in the Bonaire in April. They celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary then served the Greater Europe Mission in saw sea horses, an octopus, sea turtles and on Nov. 22, 2006. Bob is a therapist work- Colorado from 1993-2004 before returning much more. • Jody Riddick ’63 says, “Since ing with children in foster care and with to Austria. • Marli Mauch Midyette ’68 the lousy real estate market forced me parents who have children in foster care. was in the 1967 musical, “The Boyfriend,” and wondered if anyone had it recorded on into semi-retirement, I’ve been traveling, 1966 Keith Sturgess ’66 and wife, Rose, film. “That was before all the fancy stuff!” visiting nine grandchildren, ages 4-17, and recently retired to Sedona, AZ. New e- • Tim Morrissett ’68 plans to retire in enjoying my avocation of genealogy. I’m di- mail: [email protected]. • Gerard Kuyk February 2008 and continue traveling. He rector of the family History Center in Sara- ’66 is interim pastor at First Presbyterian recently visited Peru to see the Incan ruins sota, Florida.” • Dave Stoller ’63 concludes Church in Shelbyville, IN. his 39th year of law practice in December. and took a river cruise on the Rhine River. 1967 Dwight Conlan ’67 and Nancy Janet Lincoln Stoller ’64 has finished her He lives in Savannah, GA, on Skidaway Fisher Conlan ’69 are “looking forward third year as chief public defender of Island. • Susan Rose ’68 retired on June 30, to playing with grandchildren.” Nancy Yavapai County, AZ, and her seventh year 2007, from her partnership at a regional ac- retired in 2006 after more than 30 years of in the office. • Doug Wilson ’63 recently counting firm. • Richard Winslow ’68 and teaching math. Dwight retired in 2007 after retired from the Associate for Evangelism Elizabeth Broadwell Winslow ’69 toured more than 30 years of practicing dentistry. for the General Assembly Council of the the Chesapeake Bay with Larry Rublee ’68. • Kay Connor Morgan ’67 has retired after Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He lives Libby Mary Child ’69 is finishing 24 years with Blue Cross. She enjoys travel 1969 in Louisville, KY, with wife, Anne. His a five-year term as a residential appointee and golf with husband, Ron, and volunteers daughter and three sons are married. They to a panel charged with helping people with tutoring for Literacy Coalition. • Karen have a granddaughter in Yellow Springs, disabilities return to work. Libby and her Donohoe Siscoe ’67 has been retired since OH, and a grandson in Miamisburg, OH. husband, Bob, also enjoy going on cruises 1998. Karen and her husband purchased about four times a year. • Mark Jones ’69 1964 Paul Bergman ’64 has been retired a boat in Europe, and they spend the retired to consulting, travel and bird dogs from teaching for 10 years. He has three summers cruising the canals and rivers of after 29 years with the City of Cincin- children: Khris, Britta, and Trina, and France, Belgium and Holland. eight grandchildren. • Michael Hamilton nati. He worked in offices ranging from 1968 Barbara Nichols Brundage ’68 ’64 retired in June 2005 after 41 years of vice mayor, building and inspections and reports that Brundage Plumbing has closed teaching high school speech and theatre at economic development. Projects included after 32 years of service in the Kalamazoo Flushing High School. Michael manages historical rehab, low-income housing, new area. She has retired as reading specialist Flushing High auditorium. • Kathryn single-family and multi-family housing, with Gull Lake Schools and enjoys her small business loans/grants, commercial redevelopment, public infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, private/public loan pools, tax incentive and many others. • William Manus ’69 and wife, Pam, recently made their 10th trip to Germany to visit their granddaughter, Shana. 1970 Michael Brown ’70 rafted 50 bends of the Colorado River in five days and swam three class-3 rapids with only a lifejacket. He still lives two blocks from the beach and four blocks from the tiki hut. “The party goes on!” • Thomas Cameron ’70 is principal of White Cloud Junior High School and has been teaching since 1994 Alma College friends get together for a weekend at a cottage on Eight Point Lake with Alma friend Liz Kleinhardt. John They have shared life’s ups and downs for 34 years, evidence that great friends are found at Alma. The group in- when he retired from the Navy. • cludes (from left) Barb MacPhail Lumsden ’76, Jean Modrzynski Skalski ’77, Diane Gennrich Tilmann ’77, Terri Giesy ’70 and Sue Damerell Giesy ’70 enjoy Lowe Taylor ’77, Nancy Brasington Tilmann ’77, Mary Carol Moe ’77 and Linda Morrison Thelen ’77. life in western Canada. In June 2007, they

tartan tidbits 29 VanWyk. • Tim Lutes ’70 announces the Johnson ’72 reports that show biz is alive June 5 birth of third grandchild, Jonah and well in Las Vegas. He enjoys being Jon White, son of Tricia Lutes White back in it with the roar of the greasepaint, and Matt White. Tim has been retired swell of the crowd acting in Mel Brooks’ since 2000, giving him time to build his The Producers. “Cannot call it work, it is home on Lake Esau, travel and read. too much fun!” • Michael MacDonald ’72 1971 Beverly Tiederman Brown ’71 and wife, Carolyn, live in Key Largo, FL, and husband, Larry, have a new church in the winter and Michigan in the summer. in Ionia after 10 years in Lakeview. They Their sons, Jason and Jared, purchased are grandparents for the first time to their business, MacDonald Marine, in Jim Powers ’72 Zoe Marie Brown, born to son Rob and September 2006. • has a Brooke Brown. • Kristi Ellis Flora ’71 daughter, Emily, who was MIAA women’s announces the Jan. 11, 2007, birth of her tennis co-most valuable player in spring first grandchild, Baleigh Kristen-Kay. 2007. She also graduated from Albion with Connie VanSchelven Have you ever spotted a fellow Kristi teaches freshman English and a teaching degree. • ’72 alumnus at the airport, a sporting French at Valley Lutheran High School retired from teaching at Grand Haven event or just out and about? and is working on a grant with SVSU High School as of Oct. 1, 2007. to raise student literacy. • Anne Marks- 1973 William Allsopp ’73 married It’s a great feeling to see the Gaertner ’71 married her friend and Jeanne Swiercz in 2007 and has three great Maroon and Cream and know sweetheart, Jim, on Oct. 20, 2007. Wendy stepchildren, Britt, Alek and Caroline. there’s another Scot in the Waldron Gould ’72 was her matron His daughter, Stephanie, married Adam midst! Next time you “Spot-a- of honor. “A wonderful gathering of Hurly in September 2007. • David Fisher Scot” proudly wearing Alma friends and family shared our special ’73 and wife, Bridget, have three daughters. College gear, get their name, day. We’re still in Saginaw and loving Two are at Michigan State University and address and grad year. Submit every minute!” • Sylvia Sych ’71 says, one is at Western Michigan University. • the information on the online “My husband, Gary, and I are hosting a David Rood ’73 took the “big step,” retir- form at: along with 17 and comes from Osterholz-Scharm- Besse Forest Products Group. Now he is your information and you will beck.” • Birge Watkins ’71 reports that on to the “next phase” of his life, enjoy- both be entered in a drawing his daughter, Porter, recently became ing five grandchildren, travel, and getting (in conjunction with the next the Virginia State track/field champion reacquainted with both his golf clubs and printing of Accents) to each in discus and was named athlete of old friends. “I would love to hear from receive a $50 gift certificate to the year at her high school where she classmates at [email protected].” • the Kiltie Korner Bookstore. holds the record for shot put and discus. Lou Anne Opperman Schultz ’73 has a The gift certificate can be used She now is a member of Georgetown daughter, Jyl Schultz, who just graduated in the store or online at . has been appointed to the Vint Hill therapy. The Fall 2007 winner was Angela Economic Development Authority, is 1974 Elizabeth Forburger Wright McKelvey Manuszak ’87, who director and vice president of the Land ’74 is a music choral director at St. Joseph spotted Jennifer Smith Ruggles ’88. Trust of Virginia and is vice chairman of High School. • Rex Howland ’74 recently Landmark Atlantic Holdings. His two moved to Stanford, CT, into a former one- sons will go to college in the fall of 2008. room schoolhouse and is in the process of “Thoughts of retirement are decades renovating and enlarging the house. He re- away!” • Donald Yehle ’71 left publish- ceived a promotion and is now responsible traveled back to Michigan for the wedding ing in December 2006 following 21 of their daughter, Emily, to Kenneth Ham- for succession planning, talent management years with Knight-Ridder and Gannett and the company HRIS system. • Connie ilton. The wedding took place at Brook Corporations and has launched a finan- Lodge in Augusta. • Jack McNutt ’70 Norpell Marshall ’74 sends greetings from cial services career with New York Life Utah. Her daughter, Maxine, is a sopho- expects to retire in March. • Susan Seaburg Insurance Co. Donald, his wife, Karen, ’70 is a nutritionist and wellness coach and more at the University of Utah. Bradby and daughters Sarah and Kathleen con- and Audrey are sophomores at Hillcrest yoga teacher and still does some training tinue to call West Lafayette, IN, home. for Hewlett Packard. Susan and her part- High School. George and Connie are look- Phone: (765) 418-4097; e-mail: diyehle@ ing forward to a great ski season at Alta. ner, Judy, enjoy travel of all kinds. Daugh- ft.newyorklife.com. ter Liz, attends the University of New E-mail: [email protected]. • Mark Olgaard Mexico. E-mail: [email protected]. 1972 William Bennett ’72 is still ’74 and Jane VanDuzen Olgaard ’74 report • Charles Shelley ’70 has a new position as recovering from leukemia and stem cell that Mark is the president of the Michigan the international student advisor at SVSU. transplant. He is back to work at the Association of Osteopathic Family Physi- • Benjamin Thomas ’70 and wife, Joie, Cheboygan schools, in private practice cians. • Barbara Wurdock Shammas ’74 have a grandchild named Carter Benjamin and as a commissioned lay pastor. • Jeff retired Jan. 3 from the federal government

30 tartan tidbits and lawns. E-mail: progreens@adamswells. com. “Would love to hear from class- mates.” • Cathy Madigan Eagle ’77 is back from a National Geographic expedition in the Adriatic Sea and reports that it was wonderful. • Mark Guy ’77 and Kathleen Eaton Guy ’77 still live in Traverse City. Daughter, Lindsay, 25, and now married, lives in Phoenix, AZ, and daughter Emily, 23, just graduated from Montana State University, is getting her master’s degree. “We can’t believe it has been 30 years!” • Karen Cann Nicolaidis ’77 and husband, Greg, have been living in Athens, Greece, for the last five years. Their daughters both graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. One now works and lives in London, England, and the other in New York City. Karen constantly travels visiting the girls and her parents who now reside in Tennessee. Robert Schultz ’77 recently visited Dan Craun-Selka ’79 in Tanzania where they spent two weeks on game safaris 1978 Jim Daniels ’78 is the Thomas and exploring the old cities and beaches of Zanzibar. For the last six years, Dan has been the country director of Stockham Baker Professor of English at Pact Tanzania, an international NGO implementing two programs to support orphans and vulnerable children as Carnegie Mellon University. He is the well as an anticorruption program funded by the U.S. government’s Millennium Challenge Account. Robert has been working for the past seven years as a community organizer with Amnesty International based in Chicago. author of In Line for the Exterminator, a book of poems published in September 2007 by Press. • and now enjoys her new life teaching water services through Web 2.0 ventures. Stephan Jones ’78 has been promoted to aerobics, taking yoga classes, sewing, knit- 1976 Polly Meyers Bachrouche ’76 is chair of The Center for Information and ting, quilting and reading. A trip to Alaska a counselor at North Farmington High Communication Sciences at Ball State is planned for next summer. • Jackie Seib- School. Her oldest son expects to gradu- University. He is married to Janet Hubin- ert Thompson ’74 says, “My husband Ed ate from MSU in December with a degree ger Jones ’79. • Brenda Kloos ’78 is now a is the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk in graphic design. Her middle daughter member with Frost Brown Todd, LLC, in of Northern Presbytery. Daughter is a first-year student and swimmer at the Cincinnati, Ohio. • D. Gregor MacGregor Katie graduated from with University of Virginia. Her youngest is ’78 has retired from law practice and now is honors in May.” • Susan Yoder ’74 believes in 10th grade and now has her mom for a a full-time bagpiper. His Web site is www. her first granddaughter, Brenna Danielle, is counselor. Polly works with Phyllis Cun- bagpipesnorth.com. • Alan Newville ’78 so smart she could go to Alma. ningham Mulroy ’78. • James Davis ’76 is reports that daughter, Aubrey, got married. 1975 Linda Ford ’75 became vice coaching springboard diving at Grandville 1979 Bonnie Bastow ’79 lives in president of human resources for St. Mary’s High School. • Patricia Smith DeJour- Greensboro, NC, and is an independent of Michigan in Saginaw in January 2007. • dan ’76 lives south of Atlanta, GA, with consultant. Her son, Drew, is a freshman at William McCoy ’75 has a Web site that you husband, Peter, and two daughters ages 10 Appalachian State, and her daughter, Julie, can check out for updates and contact in- and 13. Patricia tutors math students and is a junior at the Early College at Guilford formation: www.themccoycompany.com. • freelances. College. • Karla Touse Benzing ’79, now Jan Knapp Merz ’75 says, “I will have much 1977 Larry Birkenmeyer ’77 lives in deceased, would have been very proud to be thankful for in 2008: my wonderful Glenview, IL, with his wife and seven-year- of her son, Jordan, who graduates from husband, John, and I will celebrate our old daughter. He just celebrated his 20-year Hillsdale Academy in May. He will finish 25th anniversary; our daughter, Kelsey, is anniversary with Abbott Labs. • Barbara his Eagle Scout project, a garden, mower a freshman at Alma and sings in the choir; Miller Blissett ’77 announces the gradu- and tool shed for a senior center, Perennial our son, Todd, will graduate from Albion; ation of her son, Michael J. Blissett, from Park, before his 18th birthday in March. and I will be a five-year cancer survivor Northwestern University after majoring (submitted by family) • David Buhl ’79 and (PTL!).” • Alison Ricker ’75 organized a in biochemistry. He is looking for a job Jeanne Mutchler ’80 announce the arrival conference in October 2007 at Oberlin Col- in the Evanston area. • Larry Clontz ’77 at Alma of daughter, Shaina Buhl, as a new lege of science librarians at private liberal lives in Bluffton, IN, with wife, Jill, and freshman. “Go Scots class of 2011.” • Scott arts colleges. They considered, among other children Gabrielle, 17, and Chris 15. Larry Larsen ’79 and Martha Baker Larsen ’81 are issues, open-access publishing, the impor- has owned a synthetic turf company for 10 the parents of Erik ’08 and Brian ’10, both tant role for science libraries in advancing years installing and selling football fields, students at Alma. Scott is a professor in the scientific literacy, and extending library soccer fields, putting greens, driving ranges Medicinal Chemistry Department at the

tartan tidbits 31 University of Michigan. Martha is a senior life in Okemos, where daughter Caitlin is a returned to the workplace as the executive research lab specialist in the Life Science senior at Okemos High School. Their son, director of The Family Room, a family Institute at the University of Michigan. • Brad, is a sophomore at Michigan State Uni- support program in Evanston, IL. Her boys Kelley Murphy ’79 of Skaneateles, N.Y., versity. They say hi to all their Alma friends. were recently baptized by Alma College Rev. Sarah Sarchet Butter ’88 and a group of five other motorcyclists 1982 Nancy Foerster ’82 volunteers to alumnus . made a 1,600-mile pilgrimage to Sturgis, help the Democrats for voting/elections. 1984 Margaret Brown ’84 has been S.D. in August 2007. The 12-day trip She is active in many non-profits, working moved from RN in ICU to the endoscopy included riding the Ludington ferry across to obtain human rights based on a non-dis- unit at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. • Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, a side trip to crimination policy for sexual orientation, James Carter ’84 recently joined MacQua- Yellowstone Park and Jackson Hole, Wyo- approved civil unions and support benefits rie Securitus, a global diversified financial ming, and stops in Deadwood, S.D. and to family with life partner health and life services firm. As co-head of mergers and the Badlands. “To all my classmates, I can issues. • Mark Harless ’82 and Lisa Flood acquisitions in the U.S., Jim lives in Bloom- be reached at [email protected]. I Harless ’84 have a daughter, Courtney, who field Hills with his wife, Sandi, and three would love to know how you all are.” is a senior at Central Michigan University children, Leslie, Steven and Sara. Tom Sutherland ’80 and LeeAnn 1980 and a son, Chase, who is a freshman at 1985 Nancy Clendenin Dederer ’85 Dumond Sutherland ’79 announce the Lansing Community College. graduated from McCormick Theological Aug. 11, 2007, marriage of their daughter, 1983 Jane Allison ’83 is still owner and Seminary in May 2007. • Stacey Emeott Emalee ’04 Justin Rose ’06 , to in the Alma manager of Baldwin Lumber Co. Her spare Long ’85 and husband, Jeff, have a 2-year- Karen Weidendorf College Chapel. • time is filled with skiing in the winter and old toddler. • Cindy Johnson Schuchardt Vigneron ’80 was promoted to captain June golf in the summer. Any visitors to north- ’85 recently moved with her husband and 1, 2007, and her current assignment is at the western Michigan are welcome to stop by. children to Stanardsville, VA, where she Pentagon. She enjoyed being back in D.C., • Wendy McCormick Freeman ’83 is a works as a free-lance marketing communi- She and Jacques reside in Annandale, VA. reference librarian at the Rolling Meadows cator. Gregory Hamilton ’81 Denise McMurtrie Ow- 1981 is retiring Library in Illinois. • 1986 Brian Campbell ’86 left his job ens ’83 after 25 years in education and 20 years at is going to Los Angeles, CA. Her son with the Saginaw Public Schools to attend Martha Mar- Elk Rapids High School. • graduated from Full Sail Film School and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in vin Harkness ’81 works at Mary Mount works on the ABC Network show “Lost.” Gettysburg, PA, to pursue becoming an Michael Pemble ’81 and Lynette Sue Pearson Sklansky ’83 Convent. • • and husband, ordained minister. E-mail: campbellbr@ Whitkopf Pemble ’83 continue to enjoy Andy, have three boys, ages 6-10. Sue just gmail.com. • Julie Gawel ’86 will complete her master’s degree in educational leader- ship in May 2008. • Ann Hoggatt ’86 lives in Nashville, TN, with her partner, Lucy. Do you know the next great Scot? She recently was promoted to Region HR Director for CarMax. E-mail: annhog- [email protected]. • Judy Lalani ’86 has We’ve all met that great high school student who we immediately been granted tenure in the Department of think would be a great addition to Alma College. Maybe it’s your Mathematics, Sciences and Engineering at neighbor, someone you go to church with, your best friend’s cousin or Central New Mexico Community College your nephew! in Albequerque, NM. • Linda Parmeter We also are looking for all your legacy students. Prospective students Matuszewski ’86 received her Ph.D. in who are the child, grandchild, or sibling of an Alma College alumnus business administration from the Univer- are eligible for our Legacy Scholarship. Be sure to let us know about sity of Cincinnati in June 2007. She teaches them by completing the form at . By completing our online referral form, you will notify • Kathleen Escott Provoast ’86 is pleased the Admissions Office of the prospective student and your connection that she and her family survived the fires to them. The student will receive information about Alma College and in Rancho Benaro, CA, and their home get on our mailing list. Once they have completed their junior year was spared. • Renee Miller Sopel ’86 has a of high school, they will also receive an application and you will be daughter at Michigan State University. the sponsor of their $25 application fee (no cost to you)! Additionally, 1988 Philip Anton ’88 recently received we will keep you updated on the student’s progress through the a doctorate in sport and exercise science admissions process as well as what’s happening in the Admissions from the University of Northern Colorado Office and on campus. in Greeley, CO. He and his wife, Julie, live If you would like materials about Alma College to place in your in Carbondale, IL, and both teach at South- home, office, classroom, church, favorite coffee house or to give to ern Illinois University. • Susan Kenny ’88 that next great Scot, just contact Ellen Curtis at [email protected] or is raising four kids. • Liz Hayes Hoffswell 1-800-321-ALMA. ’88 was recently promoted to vice president, marketing, for the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce. She has more than 18 years

32 tartan tidbits of professional marketing experiences in using her degree in many fields. • Kristin Hagopian Sak ’88 psychology, business and John Sak ’89 will have been married 15 administration and years next year. French everyday as 1989 Karen Gaffke Asner ’89 is a chief operating officer partner in White & Case’s New York office. of Vurv Technology. Kirk Miller ’90 She received the 2007 Burton Award for • Legal Writing Excellence. • Sara Snyder recently accepted a Emmert ’89 is going to Zimbabwe for two new pastorate at First years in the Army. • Anne Couch Gaydos Presbyterian Church ’89 and Bob announce the August 2006 of Holt. After 11 birth of their second son Matthew Joseph. years at Allen Park Gregory is now 2 1/2 years old. • Curt Presbyterian Church, Moultine ’89 writes, “The original ‘Fab three international Five’ of The Roach House Five have re- mission trips, annual Bob Love ’62 (right, with wife Joann at the Western & Southern Financial united and planned a 2008 summer concert mission trips, numer- Group Masters Tournament in Cincinnati in August 2007) received two major honors in tennis this year. In May, Love was a recipient of the Alan tour. The play list includes many favorites ous camps and the daily joys of ministry, Henry Professional of the Year Award for the nine-state U.S. Profes- from the late ’80s. The Web site should be sional Tennis Association Southern Division. Then in August, he was up early next year. RH5 Rocks!” • Jean M. Kirk felt the call to inducted into the Hall of Fame of the USPTA Midwest Division, which Rydahl ’89 still lives in California and is move on. He is very includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and part of northern Kentucky. Love, who played on the Scots tennis team in 1959 and 1960, is the corporate education director for Milan excited to be work- ing at his new church a USPTA Master Professional, international tennis clinician and personal Institute as well as the dean of education coach. “I have always treasured my Alma experience,” says Love. “My in- for two campuses. In her spare time she is and looks forward volvement with the arts, band and, of course, the Scots tennis team for two a presenter and facilitator in the human to all the possibilities seasons were wonderful. To me, Alma has always been a symbol of good.” Jennifer resources community. “I would love to hear it brings. Remenak Miller ’92 from college friends.” E-mail: jeanrydahl@ precious bundle of joy. We are so happy to aol.com. • Diane Wagoner ’89 runs a non- is a stay-at-home mom to three children, finally be parents after three years of try- profit exotic animal rescue and educational Pearson, 9, Emery, 7, and Sophie, 2. “We ing!” • Robyn Grieve ’92 has returned to program with her husband. “Our life is are slowly settling and would love to hear school for her doctoral degree in oriental Michael Skin- NEVER dull,” she says. “You haven’t lived from our fellow alumni!” • medicine at Pacific College of Oriental ner ’90 until you’ve had a lemur bouncing on your recently relocated to Midland from Medicine after taking time off from the head! Check out our Web site at www. Milwaukee, WI, in a business development corporate world. “Drop me an e-mail and iwantanimalmagic.com and feel free to role with Dow Corning. “Be sure to look catch up. I would love the study breaks!” contact me through that Web address!” up Amy, Cole, Jared, Jillian, Caden and [email protected]. • Kelly Rick • Bill Weise ’89 writes, “The first ever me if you are in the Midland area.” • Petrucci ’92 is executive director of Safe Warmbold ’90 alternative 1986-1987 basketball reunion announces the Aug. 23 birth Journey. Kelly has volunteered for Safe was recently held in Lansing. Steve Walters of John. “Still settling into Twentynine Journey for five years and has developed a ’89 was forced to wear XXXL shorts, and Palms, CA, the USMC base an hour east of children’s program curriculum, facilitated they all took turns throwing basketballs at Palm Springs and on the way to Vegas or children’s support groups and served on Curt Moultine ’89. Mike Friar ’89 won the the Colorado River. The welcome wagon is the steering committee. Tom VanSumeren ’89 standing by.” E-mail: richard.warmbold@ three-leg race. was 1993 Jana Almeida ’93 has four Dan Koshitel usmc.mil. voted most likely to go bald. grandchildren. • Monica Tissue Daws ’93 ’89 Todd Kulawiak ’91 ... did not attend. What a great time.” 1991 announces the was married on June 2, 2007, to Dan Daws 1990 Kristen Freund Clark ’90 is May 11, 2007 birth of their son, Landon. of Vestaburg. She is a sole practitioner in still a homemaker seeking to be involved Jackson and Carson are Landon’s older Stanton practicing since 1997. • Shannon Patrick Pinkerton ’91 in community government and church brothers. • and wife, Hunt Kelly ’93 has a new job at the Federal music ministry. Her priorities are her five Kymberly, are doing well in Texas. Court of Nebraska. • Cary Strickler ’93 and children and her husband. She lives simply 1992 Dawn Wilson Allman ’92 an- Lori Shimamura Strickler ’93 announce and trusts God in everything she does. nounces the birth of triplets: Aria Rose, the October 16, 2007, birth of son, Tyler Kristen is thankful for all who donated to Alexander Will and Andrew (Drew) Raiden. He joins sister, Melaina Sumiko, the College. New e-mail: K-10Clark@ho- Christopher. Everyone is home and doing born May 19, 2005. They live in Waterford tmail.com. • Sarah Mankowski ’90 moved well. • Jay Chapin ’92 and Heather Rice and would love to hear from old friends. and accepted a new position as senior HR Chapin ’93 announce the June 8, 2007, E-mail: [email protected] or strickler. director for Capital One in McLich, VA. birth of their first child, Joseph Maxwell. [email protected]. • Heather McManus Vick She lives in Alexandria and enjoys get- Born at 10:22 p.m., he weighed 9 lbs., 9 ’93 and her husband, Jeff, announce the ting to know the area. “Any visitors to ozs. and was 21 1/2 inches long. “As fate July 2, 2007, birth of their daughter, Claire D.C. look me up!” E-mail: smankowski@ would have it, fellow Alma grad, Dr. Elizabeth. She is joined by big brother yahoo.com. • Amy Reis McGeorge ’90 is Robin Rummel O’Dell ’91, delivered our Braden James, 2.

tartan tidbits 33 1994 Jennifer Jarrard ’94 lives in Red- of enrollment services. Tiffany is 12 and Grant and Ian. Denise resigned from her ford with her husband and two sons, ages just started junior high — I can hardly position at Sigma Aldrich after nine years 4 and 2. She teaches high school science believe it! I would love to hear from AGD’s to spend more time with her family. • John and has a Creative Memories business on and Alma friends.” E-mail: cdjeffers923@ Tierney ’96 announces the arrival of third the side. She would love to hear from past sbcglobal.net. • Kari Kernek ’96 completed son Hayes. • Peggy Norquist Wilson ’96 Alma friends. E-mail: heshettj@gmail. her psychiatry residency and is employed received a Ph.D. in physics from Michigan com; “Put Alma in the subject line.” • Steve at a local hospital. • Jennifer Niederhauser Tech in 2001. She married John P. Wilson Kirkwood ’94 and Mary Kledzik Kirk- Lengemann ’96 and husband, Alex, an- on Sept. 25, 2004, and gave birth to Caro- wood ’94 moved to Fond Du Lac, WI, in nounce the April 16, 2007, birth of daugh- line N. Wilson on Oct. 25, 2006. 2006 where Ronnie took a job as a psychia- ter Alexa. They live in Imlay City. E-mail: 1997 Megan Cuthbert ’97 and hus- trist at St. Agnes Hospital. Steve is a stay- [email protected]. • band, Wayne, announce the Jan. 11, 2007, Carla Thomas Murphy ’96 at-home dad for their two children, Emma, and husband, birth of daughter, Lydia Marie. • Keisha 7, and Owen, 4. E-mail: smkirkwood@ Allen, announce the June 1, 2007, birth of Karlsen Veryser ’97 and Jeff Veryser ’95 sbcglobal.net. • Kristina Koenig ’94 moved daughter, Grace Marie. She was welcomed and their two girls, Kamryn, 8, and Sydney, to Connecticut in July to keep her job as a home by big brothers Noah Thomas, 3, and 3, now live in Charlevoix. Jeff is plant medicinal chemist with Pfizer. She’d like to David Allen, 1. Carla would love to hear engineer at Industrial Magnetics in Boyne catch up with old friends. E-mail: ksfors@ from old Alma friends. E-mail: carla_ma- City. Keisha is the principal at St. Mary Laura Rice-Oeschger ’96 yahoo.com. • Teri McDowell Ott ’94 and [email protected]. • Elementary School in Charlevoix. E-mail: and Brent Oeschger ’96 her husband, Dan, announce the July 5 live peacefully and [email protected]. • Benja- birth of their son, Isaac Sherman Ott. • happily in Ann Arbor again with their two min Washabaugh ’97 and Lori Jackson Mari Ylipelkonen Welke ’94 and husband, daughters, Jaylee, 1, and Ileana, 5. “Walk- Washabaugh ’96 announce the May 22, Michael, announce the birth of Juliana. ing distance to the UM stadium, free park- 2007, birth of Seth. Seth joins Simon, 2, ing for Alma alumni!” E-mail: lauraero@ and Isabel, 4. • Jeff Wentzloff ’97 lives in 1995 Michael Boots ’95 announces Denise Vittitow Schilling comcast.net. • Traverse City and is an ophthalmologist. the birth of a son, Hudson. • Matthew C. ’96 announces the July 31, 2007, birth of His wife, Jennie, is an OB/GYN. They Pohlman ’95 announces the birth of son her son Carter Joel. Carter joins brothers Andrew, who joins big brother Matthew Q. • Stacey Sobol Roberson ’95 and husband, Jeff, announce the Aug. 29, 2007, birth of their daughter, Isabella O’Grady. She weighed 6 lbs., 11 ozs. • Tim Spedoske ’95 and Heather Heydenberk ’95 have found that the simple pleasures of country living suit them. Their two boys, Will, 4, and Joshua, 2 1/2, agree, which is why they’ve moved to 3120 Dobie Road, Mason, MI 48854. They’d love to reconnect with friends at (517) 381-2452 or thespedoskes@ cablespeed.com. 1996 Brent Beacom ’96 married Helena on September 1, 2007. They are both chi- ropractors in Whitehall. E-mail: beakdc@ yahoo.com. “Hello to everyone.” • Timo- thy Cant ’96 has completed his associate’s degree to be come a physical therapist assistant at the University of Michigan Hospital. • Anna Chan ’96 announces the March birth of a boy, Greyson. • Jennifer Tilli Eck ’96 started teaching English at Jackson Community College. She teaches Axel Kornfuehrer, a history instructor at Alma from 1967 to 1970, and his wife Gigi (on the right), visited Ed at night so she can be home during the day Garrison ’68 and his wife Martha (on the left) in May 2007, at their home in the Navajo Nation (Navajo Indian with her three girls, Annie, 4, Joey, 2, and Reservation) in Arizona. Among the sites that they visited was this overlook at Betatakin in Navajo National Monument. Garrison ’68 is leading a four-year collaborative project between Diné College and Mayo Clinic, Ellie, 1. The family enjoys the small town funded by the National Cancer Institute. Several Navajo language materials, including a glossary of cancer life of Eaton Rapids. • Carrie Jeffers ’96 terminology and other educational materials are being developed. Garrison spent nine weeks during the summer says, “Hi to Alma friends! I successfully of 2006 at the Scottsdale, AZ, campus of Mayo Clinic as a visiting scientist being mentored in modern molecular defended my dissertation on Oct. 12, 2007 biology research methods. He has been on the faculty of Diné College, formerly Navajo Community College, since 1983 teaching biology and public health. In 2004, he led the development of the first degree program in and can officially call myself Dr. Carrie public health at a tribal college and collaborates with the Navajo Nation and five regional universities in public Jeffers. I also started a new job at Macomb health program and curriculum development to serve Native American communities. Community College as assistant director

34 tartan tidbits us a call.” • Karly Schultz ’98 received her 2000 Bryan Brunelle ’00 and Julie teaching license in April. In September she Tolles Brunelle ’00 announce the June 3, started her first year of teaching. “I have an 2007, birth of Maria Tolles Brunelle. • amazing group of kindergartners who keep Carrie Thomas Church ’00 married Jody me on my toes everyday. I would love to Allen Church on June 16, 2007, in Grand hear from old friends.” E-mail: karlys@ho- Blanc. Laura Camann ’00 and Amanda tmail.com. • Heather Stricker ’98 married Barker Tremblay ’00 were bridesmaids. Steven Derwin last year. • Paul Swaney ’98 Carrie teaches biology and coaches swim- announces the July birth of Owen. • Ray ming at Swartz Creek High School. Jody Tessier Jr. ’98 has a daughter, Caitlin, 19 works for General Motors in Grand Blanc. Mark Beltchenko ’74 traveled to the State months, who is growing daily. He accepted • Kate Fox ’00 completed her master’s in University of New York at Delhi on Oct. 31, a new position as a senior engineer at the social work from EMU in May 2006 and 2007 to attend the dedication of the newest Hyundai-Kai America Tech Center near now works as an early childhood therapist sculpture in his “Sidewalk” series. Joining Ann Arbor in their power train transmis- at Development Centers Inc. in Detroit, President Candace Vancko in celebrating the sion department. • Carolyn Whyte ’98 is Jeff Fox ’00 continues as project manager addition to the Delhi art collection was Craig the middle school principal at Wayland for American Environmental Consultants Wesley ‘72, the College’s dean of enrollment Union Schools. She obtained a Master of services. in Detroit. Email: kate_j_lowry@hotmail. Arts degree in December 2003 from CMU com. • Heidi Grantham Henke ’00 and in educational leadership with an emphasis husband, Tim, celebrated their one-year have two children, Maggie, 3, and Carter, in school principalship. “Thanks to Alma anniversary on June 17. They live in the 1. “The polka fest lives on. Give me a call if for a great education!” Southbend, IN area. Heidi teaches graphic you are in town next summer.” 1999 Jason Byrne ’99 and Stacey design classes at Ivy Tech Community Col- 1998 Marc Alderman ’98 released a Burdette ’99 announce the birth of Viv- lege and works as a freelance graphic artist. Ryan Webb ’00 debut CD that features original music ian Roseanne Burdette. • Drew Downs • is excited to be moving alongside world-influenced interpreta- ’99 completed his M.Div. in May from back to Michigan to Ann Arbor. Ryan was tions of standards by Ellington, Jobim, Huron University College. In June, he promoted to district manager for Pfizer, Leonard Cohen and Phish. On the CD, was ordained a transitional deacon, and in and Julie starts physician assistant school at Dede sings and plays the vibraphone, Marc July started working as an assistant at St. the University of Detroit in September. performs on drum set and both play world David’s Episcopal Church in Lansing. E- 2001 Sean Byram ’01 announces the percussion instruments. Marc was a music mail: [email protected] “or stop in!” • Feb. 18, 2007, birth of son Connor Steven. • major at Alma and very involved with David Gallinat ’99 and Quintessa Duffield Anne Henningfeld Henler ’01 was married musical groups and productions. • Abbie Gallinat ’00 announce the August 10 birth on Sept. 2, 2007, to David Henler. The maid White Artley ’98 still is a math curricu- of their son, Carter Scott, at 8 lbs., 12 ozs. of honor was Bethany King ’98. • James lum specialist in Texas. She is training for and 19.5 inches. Dave is the lead chef at Kuhl ’01 and Hallie Bard ’00 have a three- her fifth half-marathon in October 2007 North Point Seafood and Steakhouse in year-old named Aidan. James is getting and first marathon in January 2008. Her Dexter. Tessa continues her work with The his MSA in acting. Hallie is a Reiki Master daughter, Claire, is now almost 3. E-mail: Purple Rose Theatre Company. They love with a focus in pregnancy Reiki. • David [email protected]. • Jenny Buhl the quiet life in their home in Manchester. Schumm ’01 and Katie Stevens Schumm ’98 announces the May 30, 2007, birth of • Sara Keinath ’99 has a new job as the ’02 announce the Aug. 9 birth of daughter son, Carden Reese. He was 8 lbs., 11 ozs. MSU Extension 4-H Youth Educator for Lily Katherine Schumm. • Shaina Hewitt and 21.5 inches. He was welcomed home Wexford County. She lives and works in Squires ’01 and husband, Nick, announce by big brother Callen, 2. • Anne-Marie Cadillac. • Gregory McQuillan ’99 and the Feb. 27, 2007, birth of a girl, Amelia Jen- Nelson Coy ’98 announces the December Kelly McQuillan ’98 announce the Oct. 9, nette. They live in Boston, MA. 2006 birth of McKenna Coy. • Amy Hoff- 2007, birth of son, George Connor. • Missy Crossnoe O’Bryan ’99 and Bill announce 2002 Ken Carver ’02 and Jen Koch man Hamilton ’98 and Justin Hamilton ’96 Carver ’05 met at Alma and were mar- announce the Sept. 7 birth of their son and the July 14, 2007, birth of their second child, Molly Ann O’Bryan. Molly’s big ried on May 6, 2006, with nine other Alma “future Alma Scot,” Alex Troy. Amy still graduates in the wedding. • Rebecca Durl- is an electrical engineer on infotainment brother Cameron, 2, is proud. They reside in Grand Blanc. E-mail: missyobryan@ ing ’02 completed her M.A. in K-12 literacy systems for General Motors, but is taking from the University of Michigan-Flint in a few months off after the birth of Alex. aol.com. • Andrew Scanlan ’99 announces the May 13, 2007, birth of his baby. • Kimi December 2006. • Christopher Gay ’02 and Justin still is an IT project manager for the Tara Braun Gay ’03 announce the Sept. 2, competition, Ford. • Jenni Olsen Marsh Scheerer ’99 moved to Albuquerque, NM, to take a position as education coordinator 2007, birth of Eleanor Leah at 8 lbs., 9 ozs. ’97 coordinates major scholarship and • Jacob Swidorski ’02 and Sara Swidorski fellowship applications for Michigan State with the Bosque EcoSystem Monitoring Program. She works with student groups ’03 announce the Feb. 22, 2007, birth of University’s Honors College. Tim Marsh Ewan. ’98 is still an infrastructure architect in IT exploring and monitoring the middle Rio at Ford Motor Company. “Anyone in the Grande floodplain. 2003 Kathryn Cleland ’03 recently Ann Arbor area is always welcome to give moved west and will be working toward

tartan tidbits 35 a master’s degree in marriage and family professionalism and dedication to the long- therapy at the University of Oregon over term care profession. In 2006, Jesse also was the next two years. “Any KI/Alma friends named Employee for the Year for Norlite in memoriam up for a visit out west?” E-mail: kath- by staff, administration, residents and Mr. Rolla R. Donnan ’33, formerly of Brecken- [email protected]. • Gavin Fralich ’03 is families. • Meredith Zimmerman ’05 has a ridge and St. Louis, died October 27, 2007, in teaching eighth-grade U.S. history at Peto- teaching job at Ithaca Head Start. Ithaca at age 98. Mr. Donnan was a farmer and skey Middle School and coaching football. 2006 Heather Dowding ’06 will gradu- raised beef cattle; he was instrumental in form- Kristy still works at William R. Kanine, ate in spring 2008 with a master’s degree ing the B & W Co-op Elevator in Breckenridge Betsy Richards Pilon ’03 and Michael PC. • in environmental policy from Indiana and served as its president and board member Pilon ’05 married Sept. 9 in Ferndale at University in Bloomington. • Jason Duika over the years. He also served on the board at the Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church ’06 is in his second year at Portland State Gratiot Community Hospital (now Gratiot with the reception at The Roostertail in University. He sang Italian arias at Aratzi Medical Center). He was predeceased by his Detroit overlooking the Detroit River. “It Restaurant in Ann Arbor in August 2007 wife, Marion, two sons, a brother, and sisters, was fantastic! Many Alma alumni were in for two hours with Tony Patterson. Jason Alice Donnan Harrington ’33, and Marguerite Nick ’01 and Noelle attendance including auditioned for the New York Met com- Donnan Stapleton who remembered Alma Hartkewicz ’03 Scharer, Chris ’00 and petition on Oct. 14. • Cailaen Dinwoody College in her estate. Christine Gutek ’02 Alexander, Michelle ’06 and Elise Killewald ’04 were recently Monsour ’04, Laura Waligore Kondrat ’04, married. • Sean Galloway ’06 is now a high Mr. Frederic L. Delavan Jr. ’36 died February Travis Harrison ’05, Jackie Newman ’07, school and middle school choir director in 6, 2007, in Saginaw at age 94. Mr. Delavan was Joseph Dey ’05 Michael Brennan ’06 and .” Almada. • Amy Kline ’06 has a good job retired from the U.S. Postal Service; he also was 2004 Robert Boyes ’04 and Katie an- and a great life. active with the Boy Scouts, taught square danc- nounce the September birth of Brayden. ing and enjoyed traveling. He assisted with the 2007 Daniel Merian ’07 is pursuing reconstruction of the Temple Theatre in Sagi- In October, they moved to Connecticut a master’s degree at Central Michigan where Robert is a senior scientist for Pfizer naw. Among his survivors are a brother, James University in economics and is a gradu- Preston Delavan ’43; a nephew, Dr. James W. and is enrolled in a master’s program at ate assistant under Dr. Hill who has done Brown University. • Bree Brownlee ’04 Delavan ’61; and a sister-in-law, Bernice Kemler research in revenue sharing in the profes- Delavan ’32. He was predeceased by his wife, purchased her first home in Washington sional sports world. Township, a two-bedroom condo waiting Grace Byron Delavan ’38; his brother, Dr. John for visitors. She planned to move in by the W. Delavan ’29; and two sisters. first weekend in October and can’t wait to have people stop by. • Theresa Guinther ’04 is in her final year at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completing her clinicals in Saginaw. She will pursue a residency in pediatrics after graduation. • Justin McConnell ’04 announces the July 20, 2007, birth of son, Gavin Lee. Justin is a personal fitness trainer for MVP of Holland and is the son of Tina Freeman McConnell ’82. • Michelle Merz ’04 earned a Master of Education degree from Grand Valley State University in 2007. • Ericka Olgaard ’04 will graduate from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2008. • Carrie Washburn ’04 resides in Baton Rouge, LA, where she is in her third year of veterinary school at State University. 2005 Kristy Butts Benson ’05 and husband, Tyler Benson, announce the June 12 birth of their daughter, Olivia Jean. The family is doing great in St. Ignace. • Mat- thew Kwapis ’05 and Janine Karbowski Kwapis ’06 were married on July 17, 2007. • Jesse Rosten ’05 was named CNA of the Art ’38 and Carra Jones ’42 Smith (seated) were honored last summer by the Alma Red Cross for their Year by the Health Care Association of support of the Prepare Gratiot program, which provides CPR and first aid training for all school per- Michigan. This award goes to someone sonnel in Gratiot County. The training resulted in the life saving of an Ithaca sixth grade boy in Ithaca with strong work ethics, leadership skills, who had suffered an asthma attack in school. The boy is shown with his mother, brother and teacher.

36 great scots Mrs. Marjory Andersen Rambo ’37 died Mr. Paul R. French ’46, formerly of Three business in Alma of Sullivan Construction September 29, 2007, in Lansing. She enjoyed Rivers, died August 5, 2007, in Naples, Florida. Company until 1982, and then owned and singing in the Alma College Choir while on Mr. French was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air operated Alma Glass and Lock Company campus and continued her musical enjoyment Corps during WWII and served in the U.S. until 1990. After gaining a degree of Archi- all her life. She was a teacher prior to her mar- Air Force Reserve from 1946 to 1968, retiring tectural Hardware Consultant and Certified riage of 64 years to Forrest L. Rambo ’36; he with the rank of major. He was a businessman, Registered Locksmith, he was employed at died in March 2006. In addition to caring for real estate agent, inventor and teacher. He was S.A. Morman & Company in Grand Rapids her family, Mrs. Rambo participated in the Girl predeceased by his wife, Barbara Malcolm until retirement in 2003. He served eight Scouts, Lansing PTA Council, Mid-Michigan French ’44 in 1993. years in the Army National Guard in Alma Genealogy Society, and served as past president and was involved in many organizations. In and editor for the Michigan Button Society. Mr. Gordon J. Hodges ’50, formerly of Sault addition to being a pilot, artist, motorcyclist She is survived by two daughters and three Ste. Marie, Lansing and Traverse City, died and boater, Mr. Sullivan was a musician and grandchildren. August 20, 2007, in Sault Ste. Marie. Mr. enjoyed playing a variety of instruments in a Hodges served in the Navy in WWII and was band. Among his survivors are his wife, Joann, Mr. Maxwell Leon Crandall ’43 of Traverse employed with General Motors until his retire- two sons and a cousin, Edwin Bradford ’43. City and Venice, Florida, died July 30, 2007, ment in the 1980s. He loved classic cars, prime He was predeceased by his parents, J. Donald in Traverse City at age 91. He served in the rib, his family and a good laugh. Sullivan ’23 and Mabel Bradford Sullivan ’24, Navy from 1939-45; owned and operated Max’s and his brother and sister-in-law, John F. ’52 Service Station for almost 40 years in Traverse Ms. Margaret C. “Peggy” Powers ’50, formerly and Janice Bleil ’52 Sullivan. City; and served on the board of the Traverse of Saginaw, Watervliet and Homewood, Il- City State Bank, continuing to serve after the linois, died August 18, 2007, in Linden. She Mrs. Margaret Summers Davison Carr ’62 of merger with Pacesetter Financial Corporation. received her master’s degree from the Univer- Alma, Alpena and Bay City, died March 6, Among his survivors is his granddaughter, sity of Michigan and taught speech at schools 2007, in Saginaw. Mrs. Carr was an art teacher Kori Crandall Quinn ’96. in Muskegon, Saginaw and Chicago, retiring and artist, retiring in 1979. She was prede- in 1985. At Alma College, she was a Barlow ceased in 2006 by her husband of 58 years, Mrs. Marian Metcalf Fershee ’44, formerly Trophy recipient, president of Alpha Theta William Eddy Carr ’41, former faculty and of Battle Creek and Chautauqua, Ohio, died Sorority and Women’s Senate. She also was coach at Alma. August 4, 2007, in Monroe, Ohio, at age 85. elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges Mrs. Fershee was a retired teacher in the Car- and Universities. Along with alumnae friends, Mr. James D. Miller ’63, formerly of Royal Oak lisle, Ohio, schools. In retirement, she enjoyed she helped establish the Robin Endowed and Elk Rapids, died June 26, 2007, in Phoenix, traveling the U.S. with her husband of 64 years, Scholarship at Alma College to assist students. Arizona at age 68. He was principal of Lake- Jim, and was an active community volunteer Ms. Powers had a passion for directing theatri- land Elementary School in Elk Rapids for 13 and member of the Monroe Presbyterian cal productions and included this area in her years and then moved to Glendale, Arizona, Church. She is survived by her husband and teaching positions as well. An avid traveler, where he retired from teaching in 2005. While four children. she was proud that she had visited several in Michigan, Mr. Miller promoted activities for countries in every continent in the world area youth including involvement in the Grand Mr. Charles G. “Scotty” Purves ’44, formerly except Antarctica. Traverse Hockey Association and sports in the of Chicago, Illinois; Baltimore, Maryland; Elk Rapids area. Rochester, New York; and Winter Haven, Mr. Carl A Goetz ’54 of Scottsdale, Arizona, Florida; died September 30, 2007, in Clare- died April 21, 1998. Mr. Goetz was a scientific Mr. Robert N. Page ’63, formerly of Fremont more, Oklahoma at age 88. “Scotty” was the glassblower with Motorola Semiconductor and San Diego, California, and Zephyrhills, only piper at Alma in 1939-41; he wore a red Products Division in Phoenix. His wife and Florida, died August 9, 2007, in San Diego. Royal Stewart Tartan that his father designed three children survive him. He retired after 40 years of employment as a and tailored. From 1942-47, he served in the purchaser with Gerber Products Company in armed forces as a photo-navigator on B-29 Mr. Roger L. Little ’55, formerly of Detroit, Fremont and Oakland, California. Mr. Page Reconnaissance Missions in the Pacific Theater died September 21, 2007, in St. Peters, Mis- served in the U.S. Army, enjoyed traveling to during WWII. He then was a climatologist/ souri. He received his degree in mortuary extraordinary places in the United States and meteorologist at the Naval Hydrographic office science from Wayne State University and was writing poetry. in Suitland, Maryland and an atmospheric owner and operator of Littles Funeral Home in physicist with the U.S. Naval Research Lab, Detroit until his retirement in 1994. He served Mr. Robert “Bob” H. Clack ’65, formerly of retiring in 1976. He also was a swim coach in the U.S. Army during WWII and was active Midland, died September 10, 2007, in State Col- and flatwater kayak coach for many years and in the First Presbyterian Church of Cass City, lege, Pennsylvania. He learned to fly before he trained many champion athletes, including his the Michigan Funeral Directors Association could drive and became the youngest pilot to sign daughter Nancy, 1972 Olympic kayaker. He is and several other charitable organizations. on with Lake Central Airlines in 1965. A year survived by his wife, Audrey, four daughters Among his survivors are his wife, Beverly, later, he joined Pan American World Airways and several grandchildren. He was buried with three sons and one daughter. and was there from 1966-91 and Delta Air Lines full military honors by the U.S. Air Force in Mr. Michael B. Sullivan ’61, formerly of Alma 1991-2001, retiring as a captain. Among his sur- Claremont. and Crystal, died September 27, 2007, in vivors are his wife, Frances Tiemersma-Clack; Zapata, Texas, at age 67. He joined the family daughter, Jody Whipple; and several grand- children. He was predeceased by his parents,

tartan tidbits 37 Gordon ’35 and Spray Dehnke ’35 Clack, and and articles. Among her survivors are her Mrs. Helen Hamlin Erhard, former food ser- several family members from other generations husband, Charles, and two children. vice employee at Alma College, died July 7, known to the College, including his grandfather, 2007, in Alma at age 82. She also operated the Dr. Robert W. Clack who was registrar 1928-43, Mr. Russell E. LaCoursier ’71, formerly of Nut Shop in downtown Alma several years professor of mathematics and astronomy 1924-54 Alma, died October 24, 2007, in Okemos at age ago. Among her survivors is her son, Robert and golf coach 1948-49. The Clack Art Center 58. He was active in baseball while at Alma. Erhard ’78. on campus was named after Dr. Clack. After receiving his master’s degree in econom- ics from Michigan State University, graduating Mrs. Ann M. Fox, friend and generous sup- Mrs. Marian “Marney” Handley Lumm ’65, magna cum laude, he worked for the State porter, died March 1, 2007, in Penfield, New formerly of Paw Paw and Dearborn, died of Michigan Banking Commissioner’s office York. Mrs. Fox established and supported the July 25, 2007, in Portage. Mrs. Lumm was a in Lansing as an economic specialist until his Jean A. Fox Abruzzino Memorial Endowed homemaker who raised three children, includ- retirement. Among his survivors are his wife, Scholarship, honoring the memory of her ing Sara Lumm Caugh ’92. Other survivors Gayle LaCoursier; sister and brother-in-law, daughter, Jean ’78, who died in 1985 at age 29. include her husband of 42 years, Rev. Nelson E. Lena LaCoursier Bachman ’69 and William Mrs. Fox was also predeceased by her husband Lumm ’65. Mrs. Lumm was an active member Bachman ’69; and niece, Erica Bachman ’01. W. Robert Fox in 1992. Among her survivors of the First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw is her daughter, Mary Fox Palkowski ’75. Mrs. where her husband serves as pastor. Mrs. Kathryne R. Moy Shane ’84, formerly of Fox enjoyed a long career as a newspaper re- Greenville, died August 3, 2007, in Stevensville porter and freelance writer and was a member Ms. Carolyn J. Waltz ’66 died May 24, 2007, at age 45. She was a homemaker and enjoyed of the Penfield Presbyterian Church in New in Grosse Pointe. Ms. Waltz was a Spanish home schooling her six children and being ac- York. instructor at St. Martin DePorres High School tive in her church. Among her survivors is her in Detroit. niece, Katelyn Moy ’08, of Greenville. Mr. E. James Gamble, former trustee 1981-91, died October 20, 2007, in Bloomfield Hills. He Dr. Donald C. Fink ’67, formerly of Alma Mr. Donald R. Nelson ’86 died October 11, graduated from the University of Michigan and California, died July 19, 2007, in Grand 2006, in Canton at age 42. He was one of the Law School in 1953 and served in the U.S. Rapids. Dr. Fink spent three years in the Army founding members of the Fraternity Navy. He was a C.P.A. and senior tax and Medical Research Center in Natick, MA, and at Alma College. Mr. Nelson was employed estate planner with Dykema Gossett in Detroit, the rest of his private medical practice in Cali- at Cobra Patterns in Madison Heights for 15 retiring in 1994. He then established his own fornia as an emergency physician and general years. He enjoyed reading, hiking, snowmobil- law firm, Gamble and Joswick, in Bloomfield practitioner. He also enjoyed his seven years as ing, and time with his family, including sons, Hills while being a speaker and writer on team doctor for the Oakland Raiders profes- Zachary and Joey. Among his survivors is his subjects regarding taxation and estate plan- sional football team. In Grand Rapids, he was wife, Christine Nobis Nelson ’90. ning. He served on the Alma College Planned active in the Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Giving Advisory Committee for many years. Among his survivors is his father, Dr. Donald Mrs. Beth A. Catton Rosati ’86 died September D. Fink ’42. 23, 2007, in Holly. She was a homemaker and Ms. Jane P. Hall, friend and administrative partner-vice president of Rosati Enterprises assistant to President Alan J. Stone 1988-2000, Mr. John L. Cook ’68, formerly of Alpena, and Country Building Supply. Among her died August 24, 2007, in Aurora, Illinois, at died August 16, 2007, in DeWitt. Mr. Cook survivors are her husband, Mark Rosati, and age 82. She was involved in community theater was an educator, serving over the years as four children. while in Alma and in Aurora as well. She was teacher, principal and superintendent in the a fine needle work artist and made beautiful Hubbardson, Alcona, DeWitt and Big Rapids Mrs. Florence Baklarz, friend and generous hand-knit and crocheted items for her friends schools. He retired in 2000 and then served as supporter, died May 23, 2007, in Plantation, and family. Many will remember her good educational consultant. He enjoyed teach- Florida. Mrs. Baklarz taught in the Dearborn nature and humor. ing, gardening, his grandchildren and ships schools and enjoyed international travel. She at harbor. Among his survivors are his wife, was predeceased by her husband, Edward P. Mrs. Adelaide E. Schmidt, friend and generous Elizabeth Wilson Cook ’67, three children and Baklarz ’42, in 1999. Mrs. Baklarz thoughtfully supporter formerly of Ft. Myers, Florida, and five grandchildren. included Alma College in her estate plans. Northville, died September 17, 2007, in her hometown of Grand Rapids. Mrs. Schmidt Mrs. Katherine Duley Wolterink ’69, formerly Ms. Helen L. Dickinson Cure, former Alma had a long and successful teaching career in of East Lansing and Clarks Summit, Pennsyl- College faculty in German and French Michigan, retiring in 1977. She took pleasure vania, died September 24, 2007, in Traverse languages 1945-48, died July 31, 2007, in Los in all things literary, teaching children to seek City at the age of 60. Mrs. Wolterink had an Angeles, California at age 83. Ms. Cure was meaning in literature. In retirement, she found active teaching career, having taught at Kal- born and raised in Detroit. In her teaching ca- time to broadcast radio reading selections for lias Language School in Amphissa, Greece, reer of more than 30 years, she taught English, the blind. She was predeceased by her husband, and part time at Yale University, The College French, German and comparative world litera- Ernest J. Schmidt, a Standard Oil/Amoco of William and Mary, and the University of ture. After retirement, she reviewed historical executive, in 1995. Among her survivors are Scranton. She was employed at Benzie Central novels and was a contributor to many literary daughter, Kathleen Schmidt Jerome ’69, and High School where she taught and was chair of publications. granddaughter, Leah Jerome ’07. the English department. She loved to read and was an accomplished author of novels, poems

38 tartan tidbits Save the date February 2008 April 2008 June 2008

The Alma College Choir tours the Sunshine State Saturday, April 26 Saturday, June 7 Alumni Board Meeting Scot Loyalty Fund Klenk Open Sunday, February 24, 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers, FL Faculty Appreciation Dinner and Awards The Emerald Golf Course, St. Johns

Monday, February 25, 7:30 p.m. Moorings Presbyterian Church, Naples, FL Alumni reception 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Marco Island May 2008 September 2008 Tuesday, February 26, 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg, FL Saturday, May 31 Friday-Sunday, September 26-28 Maroon and Cream Gala, Orchard Lake Homecoming 2008 Wednesday, February 27, 6:00 p.m. Church on the Square, The Villages, FL Alumni reception 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Town Place Suites

Thursday, February 28, 7:30 p.m. Harriet Himmel Gilman Theatre at Cityplace West Palm Beach, FL For additional information, please visit us on the Web at www.alma.edu or call the Alumni House at 1-800-291-1312, ext. 2.

Let Us Hear From You! Alma Accents and your friends would like to know what you are doing these days. Please use this form to send your news about promotions, honors, appointments, graduations, marriages, births, travels and hobbies. We will consider running photos, such as pic- tures of mini-reunions and old Alma College photographs, but due to limited space, we are not able to run baby or wedding photos. If you would like former classmates to contact you, include your contact information. The content of Alumni News is the responsi- bility of the editor.

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